Newsletter: November-December 2023

THE EVOLUTION OF FLORENCE STREET

It’s thrilling to see our plans for the micro-community on Florence street evolve over time as local feedback is received and integrated.

Since the initial offer of land from the Town of Huntsville, the development concept has changed numerous times, from the first draft of 40 affordable homes for purchase alongside a single G.R.E.A.T. sixplex, to a much more ambitious plan on a larger property with room for with room for at least two G.R.E.A.T. sixplexes plus another 149 units, many of them purpose-built rental housing.

Our conversations with the District of Muskoka, Town of Huntsville, potential funding partners like Kawartha Credit Union and CMHC, and local organizations working in anti-poverty, housing, business, environmental, and disability services continue to shape the design of this and future initiatives to better suit the needs of the local community.

Thanks to these open, collaborative discussions, the original idea to start with townhouses designed for affordable home ownership has been flipped, and the current concept prioritizes construction of townhouses, two multi-unit buildings, and two G.R.E.A.T. six plexes, all designed for much-needed rental housing. If you’ve seen a copy of the draft business plan that was published by the Doppler on October 26th, it’s already out of date!

…Read the rest here