Could a vacant property at the end of St Davids Road play a part in solving the housing crisis in Niagara?
The Thorold Housing Group is optimistic, and are now trying to get councillors on board after presenting a possible spot for a new 50-unit building.
“We think it’s an excellent location,” said group member Bill VanderKlippe in a presentation to city council on Tuesday night.
“It’s only a short walk to Tim Hortons and a block or two more and you’re at the Pine Street Plaza.”
The lot, situated along the Welland Canal where Chapel Street meets Wellington Street is currently owned by the city and is comprised of greenspace but according to Bill VanderKlippe it could be developed to host an apartment building.
“It is large enough, about four acres, and if we get a unit up there we will probably have some greenspace, parking area, and we are hoping for 50-plus units and some supports on-site.”
The group is now pushing for the city to allocate the property for housing, and that it conducts the neccessary assessments.
VanderKlippe said the Thorold Housing Group has partnered with Betlehem Housing and Support Services, which would be managing the building.
The city will await a report from its planning department on the suggestions, and will revisit the matter after that.
