First announced in May of last year, preparatory work is proceeding with Project Tiny Hope.
It will consist of a cluster of tiny homes and outdoor amenities on two acres of land at 21 Kains Street, the former home of Elgin Handles.
An application by the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin for zoning bylaw amendments for the 40-unit affordable housing development will be dealt with by city council at its meeting on Monday.
The project is in conjunction with St. Thomas developer Doug Tarry and Sanctuary Homes.
The latter donated $200,000 to help the YWCA purchase the property.
Units in the project will be offered at deeply affordable and below-market rental rates, advised Lindsay Rice of the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin during a city council meeting May 3 of last year.
“We’re looking forward to working with the city on creating this sustainable housing development. A large community room and teaching kitchen will host group events and provide opportunities to build relationships, grow a sense of belonging and offer skill-based classes to residents.”
Rice continued, “These homes may be tiny but hold a big vision for the development of a stronger and more vibrant city.”
At the time, Doug Tarry added, “A minimum of 30 per cent of all units will be set at deeply affordable rents with the remainder at slightly below market rent. Further, a minimum of 20 per cent of the units will be designed to meet CMHC accessible and barrier-free standards.”
A public meeting is to be scheduled for 6 p.m. on January 16.
Written by Ian McCallum
