Not wanting to miss an application deadline for federal funding, Chatham-Kent councilors approved the next step for the Indwell housing project Monday night.
However, those at the table also wanted to consider the feasibility of scaling down the number of units, as well as the nearly $9.7 million conditional commitment from strategic reserves.
After a motion to defer the report was defeated, council approved that the municipality enter into a memorandum of understanding with Indwell for affordable housing units at the the former St. Agnes school, as well as submit an application to the Rapid Housing Initiative for the project by March 15.
While the preliminary plan is for 95 supportive units, Graham Cubitt, Indwell’s director of projects and development, said it’s possible to “recalibrate” the project.
The organization initially made its municipal funding request during January’s budget presentation.
In addition to the municipal portion, the federal share of the project is pegged at $12.72 million, the provincial share at $5.25 million and Indwell’s contribution at $3.44 million.
The approval is conditional upon one or more further reports from administration outlining recommendations on project funding; successful application to the Rapid Housing Initiative and provincial funding sources; and negotiation of detailed agreements between Chatham-Kent and Indwell.
Founded in 1974, Indwell is a registered charity, based in Hamilton, that is currently working with eight municipalities in the province to help address challenges related to housing.
This story will be updated.