Ritchot gets federal funding for multi-unit homes

The RM of Ritchot will see the building of multi-unit homes aimed at seniors in the coming years after receiving approval for federal funding.

The Housing Accelerator Fund, a federal initiative aimed at addressing housing gaps and encouraging sustainable development, is part of the Government of Canada’s $82 billion national housing strategy.

The RM will receive initial funding of $566,368 with the potential to receive $2.27 million over the next four years, provided the municipality meets performance targets outlined in the funding agreement.

“It’s a huge win for Ritchot and not just one community in Ritchot but the whole municipality. $2.27 million to see affordable housing projects throughout the municipality is a significant number to do significant things,” said Mayor Chris Ewen.

Ritchot has agreed to a housing target of 51 new housing units focusing on multi-unit developments such as affordable seniors’ cooperative housing and townhouses. The money cannot be used for single-family homes or luxury condos.

Ewen said there is a good blend of demographics in the RM, but housing for seniors is missing.

“But what we’re really missing in that demographic is housing for keeping our seniors 55 and 60 years old looking for a convenient housing market be it condo, one level apartment, we’re really lacking in that area. I think that this housing acceleration funding will really compliment those opportunities that we can bring to Ritchot.”

The funding was granted once a needs assessment was done by consulting firm WSP. The firm used data from Statistics Canada and analyzed growth trends to find that seniors housing and multi-family units were most needed in the RM.

“The RM of Ritchot has a very high ratio of single-family homes versus multi-family units,” said economic development officer Ryan Faucher. “When comparing Ritchot to the national average, we are below average in multi-family housing options which are ideal for younger families and seniors in our communities.”

The municipality has already invested in expanding its permit capabilities by hiring an additional building inspector and is in the process of implementing online permitting systems. It’s hoped that this will streamline the inspection and approval process, ensuring faster turnaround times for development projects. Additionally, a review of development charges and fee schedules is underway to ensure alignment with neighboring communities and to encourage multi-unit dwellings.

“We are also looking at increasing flexibility around accessory dwelling units, such as granny suites and secondary suites, these types of hidden density solutions can provide more affordable housing options while maintaining community character,” said Faucher.

Ewen said Faucher is working to bring developers and other stakeholders to the table and he hopes shovels in the ground will happen sooner than later. He said the building projects will be spread throughout the municipality rather than centralized in one town.