Lanark County council had further discussions around the potential EkoBuilt apartment development in Perth.
The developers want to build 63 1-bedroom units, 20 of them deemed affordable, and have net zero emissions at 125 Wilson Street.
They require letters of support from the town and county in order to qualify for certain funding, and are asking for the waiving of development fees.
Perth council provided a letter of support at its latest meeting for the project and the waiving of up to $3,500 in fees, but it was not unanimous.
County councillor Bill King isn’t sold on the developers intentions.
King says it’s their job to protect the taxpayers dollars and isn’t sure putting them into a for-profit company is the best way of doing that, despite EkoBuilts intention to provide affordable units.
Councillor Toby Randell reconfirmed that there is the possibility the developers could revert those units back to market value rentals years down the line, and isn’t sure this is where county money should be invested.
An argument was made that EkoBuilt’s proposal meets the county’s 10 year housing and homelessness plan critiera.
Councillor Christa Lowry felt before a decision could be made, its best the horseshoe reacquaints itself with that plan. Staff will provide an overview at a future meeting prior to budget considerations.
Story by Grant Deme
