We're getting ready to start on our first work toward more affordable housing for County residents! Here are some answers to questions we've been hearing:
1. How did this development come about?
The County established the Affordable Housing Corporation, with an independent board of directors which was formed in 2019. The old Wellington Dukedome at 230 Niles Street operated from 1974 to 2010, until it was de-commissioned in 2010 when the Wellington and District Community Centre was built and opened. The building was declared surplus by The County and sold to the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation (PECAHC) in August 2020 for the purpose of developing affordable housing on the site.
2. How much housing will there be on this site?
There will be 36 units in a multi-residential building consisting of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, as well as 4 wheelchair accessible 3 bedroom town homes on the property.
3. What kind of housing will this be?
The development will provide 100% of all units as affordable, meaning that the rent will be at least 20% below the median market rent for the community as per CMHC guidelines:
- 1-bedroom unit $740.00
- 2-bedroom unit $920.00
- 3-bedroom unit 1,200.00
These units are not part of the social housing portfolio ('subsidized housing') administered by PELASS (Prince Edward Lennox-Addington Social Services). They are intended for residents of the County who are working and making a "living wage" but cannot afford the current market rents being charged in the community or seniors who are on a limited pension income.
4. How do I apply to live in this housing?
An application process will be available in the coming months for County residents. If you would like to be on the mailing list to be notified when it's ready, please subscribe on the home page or email Housing Programs Assistant Elis Ziegler at eziegler@pecounty.on.ca.
5. Who is paying for this development?
The associated costs for the construction of this development are being paid for by the Housing Corporation with funding in part from the federal government, not from The County local tax base. The Housing Corporation is an independent non-profit corporation with an independent Board of Directors.
6. What about demolishing the building safely?
The Affordable Housing Corporation is tendering the safe demolition of the property along with the municipality so we can proceed with construction. The Wellington Arena has been inactive since its closure in December 2010. As a standard measure for any demolition of an inactive building, the tender has included a requirement as required by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks that the demolition must undertake the necessary steps to ensure that any hazardous materials contained within the structure are disposed of in a prescribed manner. The Affordable Housing Corporation will be holding a consultation with immediate neighbours as part of the demolition process to answer any questions and will continue to work with neighbourhood residents during this transition to new permanent affordable housing for County residents.