Linden Housing Co-op breaks ground on 36-unit affordable project in Perth

Federal and municipal support helps Linden Housing Co-op deliver energy-efficient, community-focused housing

PERTH — Construction has officially begun on another affordable housing project in Perth, with Linden Housing Co-operative breaking ground on a 36-unit development at 79 Wilson St. W. Occupancy is targeted for December 2026, marking another step forward in addressing the town’s shortage of long-term affordable housing.

“Like everywhere across Canada, there is an insufficient supply of affordable housing in Perth,” said Steven Welcher, chair of Linden Housing Co-operative.

Linden received its full building permit from the Town of Perth on Thursday, Jan. 15, clearing the final regulatory hurdle before construction could begin. The project has also secured a $250,000 Affordable Housing Capital Grant from Lanark County, underscoring local government support for the initiative.

The development is the same project that received $12.3 million in federal funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in March 2025. That funding supports a total of 38 units, including 36 newly constructed homes and two units within existing buildings.

“We would not be able to provide affordable housing without funding from our federal and municipal counterparts,” said Welcher. “This project reflects years of community effort and collaboration. We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received from our municipal and county partners, funders and community members. With construction now underway, Linden will soon be a reality.”

The Linden development is a standalone project and is not connected to nearby housing initiatives.

“It is not part of Perthworks,” confirmed Joanna Bowes, director of development services.

Of the 36 new units, 10 will be allocated through Lanark County’s Rent Geared to Income program using the county’s centralized waiting list.

“We have not yet determined the allocation of the 10 units. Most, however, will be one-bedroom units,” Welcher said.

Linden Housing Co-operative will operate under a cooperative housing model, where residents are members who collectively manage their housing rather than renting from a profit-driven landlord.

“Members pay a nominal membership fee. Other than that, they pay monthly housing charges. There is no equity component,” Welcher explained.

Environmental performance is also a key feature of the project and was a condition of CMHC funding. The building is designed to meet at least tier two of the Ontario Building Code’s energy efficiency standards.

According to project coordinator Kelly Baiden, the building is expected to use 28.4 per cent less energy and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a standard code-compliant building.

These efficiencies will be achieved through enhanced insulation, energy-efficient windows, a high-performance building envelope and design choices that reduce heat loss and overall energy demand.

Individuals interested in future membership are encouraged to email info@lindencoop.ca to be added to the cooperative’s membership interest mailing list.

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