The County of Haliburton has approved an annual rent supplement contribution of up to $74,000 for the first full year of occupancy for the Gull River Affordable Housing Project.
The project aims to build 35 one-and two-bedroom affordable housing units at 12837 Highway 35 in Minden. Of those, some units will offer deeply affordable rents, including rent-geared-to-income housing.
During the May 13 County council meeting, Michelle Corley, Human Services Manager for Housing at the City of Kawartha Lakes, presented a report requesting an additional $2,000 on top of the previously approved $72,000 commitment from 2021 for 10 units.
Corley said a $2,000 funding increase will bring the total county commitment to $74,000 and allow the project to expand from 10 to 19 deeply affordable units, with the additional funds also supporting the first year of occupancy, slated for early 2027.
The report states the total project cost is approximately $11.37 million and is being funded through a mix of municipal contributions, private investment, land and equity contributions, municipal incentives, and significant federal and provincial grant funding, along with a debenture from the City of Kawartha Lakes.
“Because of the additional capital funding that has been attributed to that project, we’re now able to have the debt be significantly reduced, and that really reduces the pressure that the rental income is needing to achieve to then carry that debt,” she said.
According to the report, of the 35 units, 23 have received capital funding support from upper levels of government, along with proceeds from the sale of KLH Housing Corp.’s semi-detached and detached houses within Lindsay. As a result, rents for these units must be set below the market average.
Corley said the project includes three units with enhanced accessibility features such as wheel-under sinks, lowered switches, and other design elements for residents who use wheelchairs, while the remaining 32 units will also be fully accessible with ground-level entry and no stairs.
After a lengthy discussion, council approved the funding increase and agreed to adjust the county’s contribution in future years through the municipal budget process based on tenant incomes.
