The largest affordable housing co-op project in Niagara is about to rise on the former Hotel Dieu Hospital site in downtown St. Catharines.
This 492-unit initiative is a collaboration among Elevate Living, the Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing Federation, and the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. The construction will be managed by Niacon Ltd., based in Niagara Falls.
The funding of $183 million comes from the federal government through the Co-operative Housing Development (CHDP) Program.
The City of St. Catharines council has waived up to $743,499 in building permit fees for this project and approved tax rebates under the community improvement plan.
Additionally, according to the Planning and Building Services department of St. Catharines, Niagara Region has agreed to provide matching funding of either 45 percent or 65 percent (depending on how many affordable units are created) of the tax increment for a decade.
“The Niagara Region, Enbridge Savings by Design for Affordable Housing, and the City of St. Catharines have also offered several significant incentives and grants beyond what’s budgeted for the project. Any extra funds will help lower rent costs for future residents,” said Drew Toth, founder and CEO of Elevate Living.
Elevate Living’s role includes turning this idea into reality by securing the site and initial financing; leading planning and development efforts; collaborating with municipal partners to secure essential incentives and fee waivers; and helping to obtain CMHC funding successfully.
“The future of housing relies on this kind of vital collaboration between the public, private and non-profit sectors to truly move the needle for our community,” said Toth.
Designed as a net-zero ready community, this project will use geothermal energy systems along with other innovative technologies aimed at cutting down greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring long-term affordability for residents.
Located at 159 Ontario St., The Collective Housing Co-operative offers affordable rental housing that is non-profit and governed by its community members.
The development will feature various options including studio apartments as well as one, two, and three-bedroom homes alongside shared amenities like rooftop terraces, outdoor barbecue areas, pickleball courts, a fitness room, party spaces, a spa area, and even a dog wash station.
The ground floor is expected to include commercial space along with 368 parking spots-both underground and at ground level-which will feature 13 accessible spaces plus services for electric car sharing and scooters.
“This is exactly the kind of housing investment St. Catharines needs. Nearly 500 new rental homes at 159 Ontario Street means more choice for residents, more momentum for our city, and another important step toward building a stronger, more livable community. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for its partnership and for helping move projects like this forward,” said St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe.
The CHDP represents over $1.5 billion in federal investment-the largest support seen in new co-op housing development over three decades-aimed at creating homes that are cheaper than those available on the private market while offering options suitable for middle-income households.
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