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A leader behind a new affordable housing project in Perth says changes to federal housing programs could make it more difficult for small communities to build affordable homes.
The concern comes as the Linden Housing Cooperative’s 39-unit development on Wilson Street West remains on track to welcome its first residents in January.
Stephen Welchner, chair of the co-op, said the project was made possible through a federal housing co-op development fund that has since been discontinued.
Welchner said newer federal affordable housing programs are focused largely on urban centres and often require a high number of units before projects can qualify for funding.
He said those requirements can create challenges for smaller municipalities where developments tend to be much smaller than those in major cities.
The Linden project was one of only eight housing co-operatives across Canada approved through the previous funding stream. The development will provide 39 units, including 10 rent-geared-to-income apartments and eight fully accessible units designed for wheelchair users.
Welchner said future affordable housing developments in rural communities may be difficult to build unless governments recognize the unique needs of smaller towns.
He said he hopes governments will eventually create funding opportunities that better support affordable housing projects in rural Canada
