Elgin Park Redevelopment Achieves Significant Milestone in Affordable Housing with Grand Opening

The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and  Housing; David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South; Denise Marshall, Northumberland County Director of Public Works; Mandy Martin, Warden for Northumberland County; Philip Lawrence, MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South; Victor Fiume, Chair of the Northumberland County Housing Corporation; Rebecca Carman, Northumberland County Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness hold sign with key graphic and logos of partners

Cobourg, ON – November 24, 2023 - On the heels of National Housing Day on November 22nd, Northumberland County, in collaboration with Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC), has proudly unveiled the first phase of the Elgin Park affordable housing redevelopment. Comprising a mix of subsidized and market rent units, the first two of four 10-unit buildings are now ready to welcome residents.

Elgin Park represents a major step forward in the collective commitment of the County and NCHC to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in Northumberland. By focusing on intensification of an existing property, this initiative takes the number of subsidized and market rental housing units at this location from 18 to 40.

Distinguished guests from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the County and municipal councils, gathered alongside County staff, tenants, and neighbours to celebrate this historic milestone. The event marked the first new construction of NCHC community housing. The completion of the first phase of the project demonstrates the strength of partnerships and leadership shown by all levels of government. This sets the stage for Phase Two to begin next month, expanding the offering of affordable and attainable housing at this location to a total of four buildings.

Elgin Park Phase 1

With an estimated construction budget of $16 million, the redevelopment has been led by Northumberland County as the primary contributor. The federal and provincial governments have played a pivotal role, contributing $2.4 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), and $5.7 million through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) – a collaborative effort with the federal and provincial government.

Emphasizing environmental sustainability and accessibility, Elgin Park is actively pursuing LEED certification given its green-building approach and environmentally focused design. Additionally, select units feature specialized accessibility and mobility features.

Construction of the first two buildings began in January 2023 and was completed on schedule and within budget. Phase two of the redevelopment, consisting of two additional buildings, is slated begin next month, with a targeted completion timeline of 2025.


Quotes

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. I am delighted that construction is complete for phase one of the Elgin Park Redevelopment project. This official opening brings more affordable housing to Northumberland and is another example of the federal government’s commitment towards ensuring that no one is left behind. Thank you to all our partners and people behind the scenes who helped make this project a reality. I wish the new residents’ great success as they start this new chapter.”

— The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

"Supporting this project is just one example of the actions our government has taken to ensure that families across the province, including right here in Northumberland County, have an affordable place to call home. We will continue to do everything we can to build the full range of homes that meet the needs and budgets of all Ontarians.”

- Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

“The Ford Government is proud to work collaboratively with local partners to take action to ensure Northumberland County’s housing needs are met by providing supportive and affordable housing. Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and a place to call home. Increasing attainable and affordable housing is a critical component of our commitment to build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031 and this is a significant step in the right direction.”

- David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland- Peterborough South

“Elgin Park demonstrates the impact we can have when we work together towards a common goal. As the primary funder of affordable housing in Northumberland, every day the County works hard to advocate for the most vulnerable so all residents can find a safe and affordable pace to call home.”

- Mandy Martin, Warden for Northumberland County

“The NCHC continues to grow our stock of safe and affordable housing to address the need in our community. We are building brighter futures for those that need our help the most.”

- Victor Fiume, Chair of Northumberland County Housing Corporation


Additional resources

Photos attached

Photo 1 attached (Left to Right): The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South; Denise Marshall, Northumberland County Director of Public Works; Mandy Martin, Warden for Northumberland County; Philip Lawrence, MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South; Victor Fiume, Chair of the Northumberland County Housing Corporation; Rebecca Carman, Northumberland County Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness.

Photo 2 attached: Elgin Park, Phase 1.