After looking at 200 properties and reviewing Expressions of Interest from four property owners, the City of Windsor has found a new location for its Homelessness and Housing Help Hub.
City administration attempted to negotiate a price for the location at 700 Wellington Avenue. It was unsuccessful, so the city is expropriating it.
City councillors have already approved the location at the corner of Wellington and Wyandotte Street West.
"This seven-acre site provides enough space to develop at least 64 one-bedroom permanent supportive housing units, as well as common space for programming, services, and other amenities," said Commissioner of Human and Health Services Andrew Daher.
It's also large enough to potentially accommodate additional affordable housing units and social support services in the future.
Daher said the services offered at the existing hub at the former Windsor Water World has grown. Up to 215 people seek help there daily.
"We now have justice supports there, and we actually have health supports," he added.
The expropriation process could take six months or longer. The next step would be to hire a consultant to consider architectural drawings.
Earlier estimates suggested the project could cost $50-million. Daher said the city has already set aside $20-million and will seek additional funding from senior levels of government.
The city said it intends to contact potential partners.
"The establishment of the Housing Hub and the offering of ancillary services will be essential to reduce long-term homelessness and provide program participants with robust social services in one location," said the release.