Four vacant properties acquired through the City of Timmins’ tax arrears process are being redeveloped into new affordable homes. The Cochrane District Services Board recently broke ground on a $2.9 million redevelopment project that will see four one-bedroom duplexes built at locations across the city by the end of next year – creating eight new housing units. Brian Marks, CAO of board, told CTV News that the properties were obtained through the tax arrears process and transferred for a nominal fee to support affordable housing development. “They were handed over for two dollars for us to develop affordable housing,” said Marks. Marks said the low cost of the land helps keep rental rates affordable. “Every dollar we can save translates into lower rent for the people that will eventually live here,” said Marks. The units are expected to rent for between $800 to $1,000 per month. The homes will be prefabricated and delivered to the sites before being placed on prepared foundations. “We’re going to bring the Champoux multi-unit, which is two single-home residences, and then we’re going to lift that onto the foundations with obviously a big crane,” said Mark Norkum, owner of MSN Contracting. “Then from there, we’re going to do all the final mechanical work, plumbing work and architectural work on the inside.” The project is supported by more than $1.7 million in provincial housing funding to help offset construction costs. Norkum told CTV News that site preparation could begin within weeks once final permits are approved and delivery dates are confirmed. “We’re hoping that starts in the next month or so. We’re just waiting on some permitting and confirmation on delivery date for the Champoux units,” he said. The services board said it has created just less than 200 affordable housing units throughout the district over the past decade.
