The $16m development has gotten the green light
The federal government has earmarked nearly $16 million to transform a federal building in Belleville, Ontario into affordable housing.
The move is part of part of the Belleville Affordable Housing Project and will see the creation of 38 new homes for Indigenous Peoples, particularly women and children escaping violence.
According to a news release from the government, the second and third floors of a former Service Canada office will be converted into living spaces. Nineteen of the 38 units will be affordable affordable housing, while eight will be fully accessible. The ground floor is also set to be repurposed into a cultural hub for the residents.
Refurbishment of the building began in February 2023 and is expected to be completed by March 2024.
The project comes as a collaboration between three Indigenous First Nations groups, the Missanabie Cree First Nation, Garden River First Nation, and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, alongside Summers and Co. Developments Inc.
It also received support from Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), a part of the National Housing Strategy (NHS).
A breakdown of funding includes $11.5 million from the AHF, $4 million under the Federal Lands Initiative (FLI), $127,600 in SEED funding, and significant contributions in both cash and land equity from Belleville Affordable Housing L.P.
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