spot_img
Thursday, August 21, 2025
spot_img

‘Laudable objective’: Housing co-operative looks forward to next steps to finding property for affordable housing

spot_img

Lanark County council opted to keep 99 Christie Lake Road for their own potential development

LAURIE WEIR

Linden Housing Development Co-operative will search other avenues after Lanark County opted to keep a four-acre parcel of land for their own use. 

The co-op had eyed the property in Tay Valley Township, next to Lanark Lodge, near the county administrative offices — 99 Christie Lake Road — for an 80-unit project to help with affordable housing in the county. They had presented their project at a March council, outlining their aspirations, which included a possible annex of land so Perth could supply water and sewer to the units. 

At the county’s community services meeting April 10, councillors unanimously voted in favour of the staff recommendation to retain the lands for their own use, which could include an expansion at the lodge or at the administrative offices. 

“We respect Lanark County council’s prerogative to allocate their land resources in a manner they believe best serves the broader community’s needs,” Steve Welchner, the chair of the housing development co-op, told this media outlet following the decision.

“Maintaining a parcel of land for the future expansion of Lanark Lodge is certainly a laudable objective.”

 Welchner said they are entering an “exciting phase” with their project, as they are exploring other protentional sites in Perth.

“Our goal remains to find a location that not only meets our criteria for developing affordable, eco-conscious housing but also enhances accessibility and community integration,” he said. “County council’s decision allows us to pivot to a new opportunity that might offer even greater benefits for our intended residents and for the community at large.”

 Welchner said they are committed to their mission of providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions in Perth through a co-op model.

“We are looking forward to the opportunities this next phase of site searching will bring,” he said. “We remain dedicated to working collaboratively with local authorities, community stakeholders, and potential partners to realize our vision, and are so grateful to the community for its broad support.”

Part of the county’s staff recommendation was to help find parcels of land appropriate for this type of development, whether it’s county or provincially owned. 

Welchner said housing co-operatives are unique, empowering their members through participatory governance and collective decision-making, according to the release. 

“This model not only provides affordable housing, but also fosters a strong community spirit and a sense of belonging among its members.”

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

Smiths Falls Police address crash, bar incident and youth assault in series of responses

SUBMITTED No injuries after collision with hydro pole. Driver facing...

King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes exceptional Canadians

LAURIE WEIR In a special ceremony hosted by Lanark—Frontenac—Kingston MP...

UCDSB to host holocaust survivor Andy Rèti as Tour for Humanity returns

SUBMITTED The Tour for Humanity mobile classroom will return to...

Smiths Falls History & Mystery: Farmer grocer solider reeve

Ambrose Halladay moved into the Keyhole House in Smiths...

Impaired charge laid after a collision on Roger Stevens Drive

SUBMITTED A Toronto resident has been charged following a single...
spot_img

Stolen boat motor recovered in Arden

SUBMITTED BY OPP EAST REGION Arrest Warrant To Be Issued...

Council divided over veto, integrity complaints, and strong mayor powers in Rideau Lakes

LAURIE WEIR CHANTRY — The controversy around the Chantry office...

Disturbance results in multiple charges

SUBMITTED BY LANARK COUNTY OPP CARLETON PLACE - The Lanark...

Butterflies take flight again in Perth for second annual memorial release

Community gathers Aug. 20 to honour loved ones through...

Canada Post clarifies that the red flag’s only use is for outgoing mail

LAURIE WEIR PORTLAND — Rural residents, did you know that...

Six charged in Smiths Falls police investigations including impaired driving and animal cruelty

SUBMITTED / SMITHS FALLS POLICE SERVICE Breach investigation results in...

HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS: Markets, music and family fun this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img