Construction of London's first major public housing project in 50 years is officially underway.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday for the new 53-unit, six-storey building at 1057 Southdale Rd. East. Once completed, it will include a mix of rent-geared-to-income (RGI), affordable, accessible, and market-rate apartments.
"As we break ground on Reimagine Southdale, we're not just building for today; we're laying the groundwork for a lasting legacy of affordable and accessible housing," said Paul Chisholm, the CEO of London and Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH). "This project serves as an important first step to reshaping the future of housing for London and Middlesex Community Housing, ensuring a brighter outlook for families, individuals, and seniors today and for decades to come."
The building is being constructed on the site where 18 of 166 townhouses, built at Southdale Road and Millbank Drive in 1971, were demolished.
It will include:
3 one-bedroom units - one of which is accessible
15 two-bedroom units - five of which are accessible
30 three-bedroom units - five of which are accessible
5 four-bedroom units - one of which is accessible
Two more apartment buildings are slated to be added to the site eventually, bringing another 114 units. This will combine with 98 existing townhouses, which will see upgrades including new siding, roofing, and outdoor improvements.
The entirety of the project is expected to happen over the course of 10 years.
London Mayor Josh Morgan called the Reimagine Southdale Project an important step forward in addressing homelessness in the community.
"Providing affordable housing for all is not just a goal, but a moral imperative," Morgan said. "By investing in projects like this, we're not just building structures; we're building communities, fostering stability, and nurturing hope for a brighter tomorrow for all who call London home."
London Police Chief Thai Truong was also among the community leaders who took part in Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony.
"By providing safe, affordable, and accessible housing, this project reinforces our commitment to building inclusive communities where everyone can flourish and build a brighter future," LMCH Board Chair Phil Squire said.
LMCH provides 3,282 housing units across 32 properties to more than 5,000 people in the London area.
