409 Centre St. S. Whitby
A housing initiative in the Region of Durham, located close to downtown Whitby, has been charged over $97,000 in education development fees. The region believes these charges were made by mistake and is looking to get their money back.
The region, along with its local housing agency, the Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation (DRLHC), is working on redeveloping a current 16-unit building at 409 Centre Street into a new three-storey structure with 30 units aimed at providing essential affordable housing for seniors.
To secure a building permit, the region had to pay $97,090 to two local school boards ($56,687 to the public board and $40,404 to the Catholic board), which was completed on April 1.
In a letter addressed to the town from regional solicitor Samantha Whalen on June 25, it was stated that the educational development charges were “incorrectly determined” and that they should be exempt from these fees.
The development falls under the ownership of Durham Region Local Housing Authority, an entity “run by the region and owned by the region,” making it “distinct” from other corporations. Whalen emphasized in her email that it’s their stance that the school boards’ decision not to exempt this project from education development charges does not align with the intent of exemptions outlined in the Education Act or their respective by-laws.
Durham Region and DRLHC are requesting a full refund of what they paid, which will be discussed at a special Whitby Council meeting scheduled for August 10.
Council might either dismiss this request or decide on taking “appropriate corrective action” following Monday’s meeting.
On Friday, Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy joined regional partners for an announcement regarding $2.8 million in joint funding for this project from federal and provincial sources.
“Addressing the housing crisis requires action from all three levels of government, and we’re very grateful for this investment,” Roy mentioned during the news conference.
The Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation submitted an application for a Heritage Permit in December seeking permission to demolish the existing apartment building at 409 Centre St. S. and build a new three-storey structure with 30 units.
The senior living facility built over 57 years ago holds heritage status due to its location within Whitby’s historical center; however, support was granted by Heritage Whitby Advisory Committee for its demolition so that a new building could better fit with neighborhood character.
This property once served as part of the courtyard for Ontario County Courthouse (now known as Centennial Building) directly across the street. The long apartment complex was constructed between 1968-69 as Whitby’s first subsidized senior living option and filled up open space that left no forecourt available for the old courthouse.
A carving resembling a beehive found in front of the current building-a piece famously vandalized last year-will remain intact and will be moved elsewhere within northern parts of this property.
Sections of this public art piece were cut off and stolen last September before being retrieved amid what seemed like youthful mischief; it was created by tree carver Ryan Locke who transformed part of an ancient black walnut tree into honeycomb featuring detailed carved bees.
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