The City of London, together with it’s Housing Development Corporation (HDC), is planning for a new multi-residential apartment building at 18 Elm Street to provide more safe and affordable rental housing in London.
The proposed apartment building is being advanced in partnership with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS). It will provide safe, quality and appropriate housing for First Nation, Inuit and Métis people. The focus of the partnership and development plan is to address the housing needs of Indigenous women and children, families, and Elders in London.
“Promoting great dignity for individuals and ensuring all Londoners have a safe and affordable home is the work of the entire community,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “Partnerships like this one with Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is a step forward in bringing supports and programs needed in our City.”
HDC purchased the 18 Elm Street property, the former Holy Cross Elementary School, with the intention of providing housing that is affordable and aligned with the Council-approved Hamilton Road Community Improvement Plan and the City of London’s Housing Stability Action Plan.
“OAHS is pleased to be working with HDC, the City, and will be engaging other local Indigenous organizations to bring this housing development, which will include some units dedicated to the Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound program, to the community,” says Cathy Connor, Director of Housing Development at OAHS. “Homeward Bound is a program that helps young mothers and their families reach their goals towards education, career, and housing stability. With the success we have seen from Homeward Bound programs in Dryden and Sault Ste. Marie, this opportunity to expand is exciting and important.”
The City and community partners will be working together on next steps, which include the application for site-specific amendments to London’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law. These provide the permissions to allow for the apartment building as well as a small neighbourhood public park. The planning application will go to City Council in the coming months which include working with the City and HDC on tenant selection and further design and financing plans. Subject to approval and investment funding, construction is anticipated to start in 2022.
As this important housing development continues to move forward, a virtual town hall meeting will be scheduled for Londoners to learn more about the development and to share their feedback and input. Londoners can also visit the City of London’s Get Involved site for more information on this and other housing developments within our community.
For more information on OAHS and their services, please visit: www.ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca