Photo: Submitted
The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country.
The launch of Build Canada Homes, which will help increase the pace of affordable homebuilding. Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities for people of all income levels.
On Friday, the federal and provincial governments announced $375,000 in combined funding through the Canada–Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI), an initiative of the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
This announcement builds on the $28 million from the Affordable Housing Fund previously announced in January 2025.
This funding will help Epworth Place, located at 7B Aldersgate Drive in Belleville, an 84-unit residential building designed to support the senior community. The project offers a mix of market-rate and rent-geared-to-income rental apartments, with amenities such as lounges, recreation rooms, community gardens, and a library service.
The investment will support 18 RGI units, including 3 accessible units. Construction is currently underway, with residents expected to move in later this summer.
The announcement was made by Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada alongside Tyler Allsopp, Member of Provincial Parliament for Bay of Quinte, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“Our Government is focused on delivering housing for the people of Belleville and across the country,” Malette stated.
“Partnering with the Province of Ontario and support from the Affordable Housing Fund is one of the ways we do that. I’m proud of our involvement in this project, and of the tangible difference it will make for people in our community.”
“Projects like Epworth Place help ensure Belleville remains a community where seniors can live with dignity, security and peace of mind,” added Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis.
“With a mix of rent-geared-to-income and market units, this 84-unit development will expand access to safe, high-quality housing while strengthening neighbourhood stability and easing pressure across our local housing system.”
Photo: Submitted
