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At a recent Carleton Place council meeting, two bylaws were passed authorizing the Town to purchase two properties in the central zone.
135 Charles Street was purchased from Cheryl Batten for $99,900 plus HST and neighbouring 42 Allen Street was purchased from Edward Taylor for $299,900 plus HST.
Before taking a vote, councillor Jeff Atkinson reminded everyone that the lands were being purchased for the future development of affordable housing. Both motions passed without questions.
Both motions passed without questions.
The acquisitions give the municipality more control over how the sites could be developed to meet local housing needs, including options for residents being priced out of the rental and home-ownership markets.
With housing costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets, municipalities are increasingly looking at ways to encourage a wider range of housing options. Carleton Place has identified affordable housing and smaller, accessible units as important priorities.
The Town’s ownership of the two properties could open the door to partnerships with non-profit housing organizations or private developers to help turn that goal into reality.
However, key details remain to be determined, including how many units could be built, what rents or purchase prices might be considered affordable, and when development could begin.
The next step will be determining how the properties can best contribute to Carleton Place’s long-term housing needs.
Story by Brian Turner
