London Celebrates Launch of Affordable Housing Project on Sylvan Street

London, ON – A major milestone in addressing homelessness and housing affordability was celebrated in London this week, with the official unveiling of a 42-unit affordable housing project at 345 Sylvan Street.

The newly completed three-storey brick building, operated by London Middlesex Community Housing, aims to provide affordable and accessible housing for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Tenants began moving into the units in early October.

The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of London, with funding contributions from all three levels of government:

• $8.8 million from the federal government under the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
• $5 million from federal and provincial governments through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI).
• $7.8 million from the City of London, announced in 2023.

Tackling Housing Challenges

This housing initiative is part of Canada’s broader efforts to address the nationwide housing crisis through the National Housing Strategy (NHS). The NHS is a decade-long, $115+ billion plan aimed at creating affordable housing and repairing existing units to prioritize vulnerable populations, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, and individuals fleeing domestic violence.

The federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative, under which this project falls, has been a key driver in delivering affordable homes quickly. Through three phases, the RHI has supported the creation of over 16,000 units nationwide, including more than 5,200 under its latest phase.

The Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative complements these efforts by focusing on local housing needs, providing funding to improve community housing and expand affordable options for Ontarians.

A Collaborative Vision for Housing

The launch of the Sylvan Street housing project underscores the importance of partnerships between all levels of government to address the growing need for affordable housing. It also highlights London’s commitment to tackling homelessness with innovative and practical solutions.

For more information on Canada’s National Housing Strategy and other housing programs, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure Canadians have access to safe, affordable housing, prioritizing those most in need.

SOURCE Province of Ontario