Canada, Ontario partner on $41 million in funding for two affordable housing projects in Oshawa

Ottawa and Queen’s Park are jointly awarding more than $41 million to two affordable housing initiatives in Oshawa, with both projects to be operated by the Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation.

The projects, a 66-unit stacked and back-to-back townhouse development at 1707 Ritson Rd. N. in the city’s north end, and Conant Place, a 54-unit affordable housing building at 1050 Simcoe St. S. on the other end of town, will offer a diverse mix of unit sizes and varying levels of affordability to meet the needs of Oshawa residents, delivering a total of 120 units.

The projects are receiving joint funding through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, in addition to the federal-only Affordable Housing Fund.

The development at 1707 Ritson Road which is expected to be completed by December, includes $27.5 million from the federal government’s Affordable Housing Fund. $4 million from the Canada–Ontario Community Housing Initiative and $3,161,855 from the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative.

Funding provided for Conant Place, which was developed to help address the seniors rental housing waitlist in Durham Region and includes affordable units for seniors and individuals with disabilities, includes $17.5 million through the Affordable housing Fund (part of the project’s funding had already been announced in August 2024), $6.9 million from the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, $1, 344,726 from the City of Oshawa and $47,600 from CMHC Seed funding.

Conant Place was completed last September.

Various federal, provincial and municipal leaders were in north Oshawa for the announcement Friday, including Ajax MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Housing and Infrastructure Miniter Jennifer McKelvie.

“The projects announced today will make a real difference for people here in Oshawa. With every project like these we’re getting closer to the country we want – one where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Ontario Housing Minister Rob Flack said the funding demonstrates his government’s “commitment” to deliver more affordable housing options. “We will continue advancing community-driven housing solutions that meet unique local needs and help our most vulnerable citizens find a place to call home.”

In March the governments of Canada and Ontario signed the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build in support of the shared goals of boosting housing supply, advancing key transit projects, and strengthening economic growth. Under the new partnership, the governments of Canada and Ontario will cost-match a total of $8.8 billion over 10 years to support housing-enabling infrastructure projects in Ontario, and the funding will be prioritized for municipalities that reduce and maintain reductions on development charges.

“Today isn’t about announcing another project – it’s about proving we can deliver,” said Tracy Greig, Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation CEO. “When government aligns, partners step up, and builders like Daniels execute, the result is simple: families getting the keys to a safe, stable, affordable home this year.”

“This development is an example of what’s possible when government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector come together around a shared goal: building safe, affordable homes for families,” added Daniels Corporation President Jacob Cohen. “This kind of ‘whole-of-community’ approach is exactly what our country needs right now. It’s powerful, and it’s how we begin to move the needle on addressing the affordable housing crisis.”

Tito-Dante Marimpietri, who chairs Oshawa’s Economic and Development Services Committee, said the projects were proof of the collaborative efforts required to facilitate development that reflect “both the needs of our growing city and the character of the surrounding community.”

“By working together, we are helping to build complete communities that are inclusive, sustainable, and supportive of the people who proudly call Oshawa home.”

Affordable housing announcement in Oshawa. Photo Tito-Dante Marimpietri