The City of Brantford is taking action to provide more affordable housing options to residents.
The City finalized the purchase of Lucy Marco Place, a former student residences building, on Oct. 31 to repurpose it into affordable housing for a minimum of 26 occupants.
This housing is not intended to be an emergency shelter, but rather more permanent and stable housing with supports for individuals on the affordable housing waitlist.
The demand for affordable housing options in Ontario and in Brantford specifically has outgrown availability, resulting in lower vacancy rates and higher housing costs.
Earlier this year, city council members approached the Wilfrid Laurier University Brantford campus to discuss the ongoing use of Lucy Marco Place which previously housed students.
Laurier Brantford is in the process of implementing a growth plan to expand and restructure some of their existing space and the school no longer needs Lucy Marco Place for residence purposes.
Brantford City Council directed staff to purchase the building at 36-40 Queen St. in July 2022. The purchase was completed on Monday with a minimum of 26 units to be made available.
Having the building occupied by residents on a more permanent basis will help re-energize the downtown area year-round.
A report from housing staff will be shared in the new term of Brantford City Council in the coming months, outlining the individuals on the waitlists that will be eligible to access the units, as well as the community partnerships and supports that will be available.
