NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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The County of Simcoe has begun site work and preparation for the new affordable housing project in Bradford West Gwillimbury and is slated to begin drainage channel realignment and storm pipe installation at the end of the month.
The upcoming site works will cause pedestrian and vehicular impacts starting Jan. 30, 2023 and are expected to last four weeks.
Pedestrian impacts
Pedestrian impacts during the works will include the closure of the east sidewalk on Simcoe Road from Marshview Boulevard to Edward Street. Pedestrians are advised to use the west sidewalk during this time. Directional signage will also be erected in the affected area, directing pedestrians to the proper route.
Vehicular impacts
Vehicular impacts are also expected as the project team commences with the excavation and realignment of the existing channel on Simcoe Road. The east lane of Simcoe Road, from Marshview Boulevard to Edward Street, will also be closed during this time. Motorists travelling in the area should expect some delays during this phase of the project.
Update on work completed to date
Excavation and site work has been ongoing, with the following work completed in November and December 2022:
• Tennis courts fencing and ground surface demolition
• Playfield light poles and lights demolition
• Underground site services investigation
• Tree removal and preservation (where possible)
• Topsoil excavation and removal
• Fill excavation and removal
• Drainage channel temporary sediment control measures implementation
About the Bradford West Gwillimbury Affordable Housing Hub
This affordable building with modern amenities is expected to welcome new tenants upon its completion as early as 2024. As part of the County of Simcoe's Our Community 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy, this new building will add 50 new affordable housing units toward the county’s target of creating at least 2,685 new units by the completion of this 10-year strategy in 2024.
The mixed-use building will include affordable residences for eligible families and seniors, a County of Simcoe Social and Community Services office, and ground-level community space. In addition to creating an attractive streetscape to this central location within Bradford West Gwillimbury, the building will be accessible to adjacent pedestrian walkways and local transit, and is within walking distance of the GO Transit station.
The four-storey building has been designed to complement the existing urban neighbourhood, with cost effectiveness and energy efficiency in mind. Exterior building features include a high-quality and durable panel system at the residential levels, with masonry features throughout to provide texture and visual interest. More information on this project can be found here.
Application Process and Inquiries
The application process to live in this new building is expected to open approximately six months prior to building occupancy being finalized. Interested residents may request updates and information on the application process for this building by e-mailing [email protected]. Direct requests for housing application(s) may be directed to [email protected].
About Our Community 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy
Our Community 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy sets out real targets and goals to create more affordable housing within communities across Simcoe County. By Dec. 31, 2021, the county was able to report that 2,531 new units had been created since 2014, 94 per cent of the way to its overall target of creating at least 2,685 new affordable housing units across the region. The county’s strategy continues to focus on supporting residents through maximizing funding, achieving targets, and working with area partners to create affordable housing units for residents across the county. Targets were established in 2014, and the county continues to adapt to meet growing needs, including initial collaboration to establish our next long-term strategy. More information can be found online.
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