Muskoka Community Land Trust Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Initiative in Huntsville

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The Muskoka Community Land Trust has commenced construction on its first housing project, which aims to deliver 150 affordable homes in Huntsville, Ontario, utilizing a mass timber construction approach.

HUNTSVILLE, ONT. — The Muskoka Community Land Trust (MCLT) has officially commenced construction on its inaugural housing initiative, which is set to provide 150 affordable residences in the region. The project is located on a 7.5-acre parcel at 40 Florence St. W., a site generously donated by the Town of Huntsville, and will unfold in three distinct phases utilizing a mass timber floor and wall panel system, as detailed in a recent announcement.
The first phase of the development will see the construction of a four-storey building comprising 47 apartment units. This initial phase will include 30 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and three three-bedroom units, with eleven of these units designed to be barrier-free to accommodate residents with mobility challenges. Following the completion of phase one, the second phase will introduce an adjacent four-storey building containing 60 additional mass-timber units. The final phase will culminate in the construction of a three- to five-storey building with 43 mass-timber apartments.
Central to the development will be a community common area, which will feature an amenity building and park space, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The construction for phase one is projected to be completed and ready for occupancy by December 2027.
A significant aspect of this development is its commitment to affordability; 40 percent of the homes will remain permanently affordable, as they will be removed from the private real estate market. The land will be held in trust by MCLT and is designated specifically for non-market housing. This initiative addresses a pressing need in Huntsville, where a higher percentage of lower-to-modest income households, estimated at 55.3 percent, are priced out of the local real estate market compared to the rest of Ontario.
MCLT’s efforts regarding the Florence Street lands commenced back in 2022, involving extensive community engagement, planning sessions, technical studies, and development work over the years. The project has received approval for a maximum building height of 14 metres, with designs ensuring that the structures will remain below the surrounding mature tree canopy, thereby preserving the natural foliage of the area. A comprehensive tree protection plan has been developed to ensure that the majority of the land will be maintained as greenspace.
Financially, the project has garnered support from various sources, including the District of Muskoka, which has contributed $629,000 to date. Additionally, the Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program has committed $1.3 million. The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario has also provided over $519,000, while Muskoka Futures is offering a conditional loan of $300,000. Furthermore, the project is awaiting specific funding approval through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction Through Wood Program, which is expected soon, as noted in the release.

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