Durham Region is investing $8 million to support 106 new affordable rental homes in Oshawa and Brock through its At Home Incentive Program.
The Durham affordable housing investment will provide $7.25 million to Athol Green Co-operative Homes Incorporated for a major downtown Oshawa development and $750,000 to ACA Housing Corporation for a smaller conversion project in Sunderland.
The Region announced the funding on July 20, saying the two projects are intended to expand the supply of affordable rental housing while adding accessible units and supports for residents with different needs.
Ninety-Six Affordable Units Planned in Oshawa
Athol Green Co-operative Homes will use its funding toward a proposed 23-storey rental building on the north side of Athol Street West, between Centre Street and Simcoe Street in downtown Oshawa.
The building is expected to contain 274 rental apartments, including 96 affordable units. The affordable portion is planned to include 71 one-bedroom apartments, 21 two-bedroom apartments and four three-bedroom apartments.
Accessibility is also part of the project. Durham Region says 15 per cent of the building’s units are intended to be accessible, and the development plans to pursue Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification.
Twenty-five units are expected to support single mothers participating in WoodGreen’s Homeward Bound Program. The program helps mothers obtain stable housing while completing college education, beginning careers and working toward financial independence.
The proposed building is also expected to include community-oriented amenities. Plans referenced in the regional report include space for a medical office and daycare, along with a fitness room, party room, children’s play area, business and classroom centre, and outdoor terraces.
Vacant Sunderland Building to Become Housing
ACA Housing Corporation will receive $750,000 to redevelop a vacant three-storey retirement home at 82 River Street in Sunderland, within the Township of Brock.
The building is proposed to become a 10-unit affordable apartment property with three studio units and seven one-bedroom units. Three ground-floor apartments are planned as accessible, universal barrier-free units.
Regional documents indicate that the Sunderland units are proposed to remain affordable at 80 per cent of average market rent for 50 years. The Oshawa project’s affordable units are proposed at 100 per cent of average market rent for the same period.
Program Has Supported Hundreds of Durham Homes
Both developments are receiving support through Durham Region’s At Home Incentive Program, which provides capital funding and application assistance for purpose-built affordable rental housing.
Eligible projects can include new construction, conversions of non-residential buildings, additional affordable units on existing properties and community housing redevelopments that increase rental supply.
Since the program was created in 2022, Regional Council has approved $38.95 million to support 457 affordable units across Durham Region. Previous investments have supported projects in Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby.
Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer John Henry said creating affordable housing requires partnerships and strategic investment. He said the $8-million commitment is intended to provide greater stability and opportunity for residents across Durham communities.
The Durham affordable housing announcement comes as renters continue to face high monthly costs and limited affordable options. Although the projects will not meet the region’s entire housing need, they would add a combined 106 affordable homes while supporting accessibility, education and family stability.
The developments remain proposed projects, and construction schedules were not included in the Region’s July 20 announcement. Further updates are expected as planning, approvals and development work move forward.
