The municipalities of Chatham-Kent and Lakeshore are getting over $17 million from the federal government to help create hundreds of new homes.
Irek Kusmierczyk, the MP for Windsor-Tecumseh, made the announcement in Lakeshore on Monday. He was joined by CK Mayor Darrin Canniff and Lakeshore Mayor Tracy Bailey.
Around $10 million is going to Chatham-Kent with roughly $7 million being given to Lakeshore.
The plan is to build around 500 homes within the next three years.
Canniff told reporters the main focus for Chatham-Kent will be affordable housing.
“We have a waiting list well north of 1,000 people, so we’re gonna try taking care of that,” he said.
He explained the funding will be used on other projects, but it will mainly help create more affordable housing.
Canniff also mentioned that, while the money will be a great help, it won’t be enough to end CK’s housing crisis.
Bailey also spoke to reporters about the struggles of finding housing in Lakeshore. She noted she’s personally had issues finding affordable housing.
“I need to find housing for both my parents and also my children,” Bailey added.
Just like Canniff, Bailey thanked the federal government for the funding but hinted that more will be needed.
The money is coming from the Housing Accelerator Fund.
Both municipalities will instantly receive 25 per cent of the funding with the other 75 per cent only being handed out in the future.