Durham Region outlines Whitby and Oshawa housing redevelopments; AHIP funding includes Clarington

Whitby, Ontario — Marking National Housing Day on November 22, the Region of Durham outlined housing redevelopments in Whitby and Oshawa and is seeking development partners for the first phase of the Ritson School Project. Regional Council has approved $30.5 million through the At Home Incentive Program (AHIP) over three years to help create 350 affordable rental units across multiple municipalities, including Clarington.

The plans would add units at several Region-owned properties, including replacing a seniors building in Whitby and increasing density at multiple Oshawa sites. The AHIP funding applies across Durham, including projects in Clarington.

Projects listed by the Region include:

• 409 Centre Street, Whitby: replacing a two-storey, 16-unit seniors building with a three-storey, 30-unit building.
• Christine Crescent and Normandy Street, central Oshawa: on Christine Crescent, replacing 12 semi-detached units with two mid-rise apartment buildings totaling 160 units; on the west side of Normandy Street, replacing 10 units with 18 new units.
• Malaga Road, south Oshawa: replacing 65 townhouse units with two mid-rise apartment buildings and stacked townhouses with 420 units.
• 600 Townline Road, east Oshawa: a mid-rise apartment building with 50 units.

For the Ritson School Project, the first phase would create up to 200 mixed-income rental units on a vacant portion of the property, with at least 30 per cent of each building dedicated to affordable units. Plans also include renovating the former elementary school for community use. The Region is seeking development partners for this phase.

Since AHIP launched three years ago, Regional Council has approved $30.5 million in program funding to help create 350 new affordable rental units in Ajax, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby. AHIP supports the development of affordable rental housing by providing capital funding and Regional planning services to public- and private-sector partners.

“Affordable housing is essential for thriving communities. When people have stable, affordable housing, they can focus on their families, work, education and being active members of their community. That’s why we’re working closely with private and public sector partners to build homes that meet real needs—homes that are inclusive, affordable and accessible,” Gary Muller, Director of Affordable Housing Development and Renewal, Region of Durham, said in the notice.