Affordable housing project in Hamilton gets $5 million push from Province

The Ontario government is kicking in $5 million to help create 43 one-bedroom units to support low-income individuals in need of affordable housing in downtown Hamilton.

Located at 225 East Avenue North, the three-storey building – dubbed the Dairy Lofts – is energy efficient and includes six accessible and barrier-free units. Developed by Indwell, a Hamilton-based Christian charity that has been supporting vulnerable adults dealing with mental health challenges for nearly 50 years, the building also has designated program space and residents will also have access to a laundry room, a kitchenette in the common space, bike storage, a courtyard, terrace and communal gardens.

“Housing is a human right. The creation of affordable housing is a priority — it’s my priority,” said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. “I am committed to championing an increase in housing options and ensuring every Hamiltonian has access to secure affordable housing. Stable housing is at the heart of a person’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.”

The announcement is part of the province’s Social Services Relief Fund, which has provided more $1.2 billion of support to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators create longer-term housing solutions and help vulnerable people in Ontario, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.

The Ontario government is also investing an additional $202 million each year in homelessness prevention programs — the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program — bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment to close to $700 million. This includes an allocation of $27.9 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program for Hamilton in 2023-24.

“This $5 million investment in affordable housing in Hamilton is another example of our government’s continued efforts to ensure that Hamiltonians have the critical supports that they require to grow and to thrive,” said Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Neil Lumsden. “We are partnering with community organizations like Indwell to identify and respond to where these units are needed the most — in locations with established community networks, services and resources that will empower vulnerable members of our community to work to build a better life and a stronger Hamilton.”

Residents of the Dairy Lofts will be close to public transportation, a hospital, parks, grocery stores and pharmacies.

“We’re so grateful for the partnership of the province that helped to make possible these 43 supportive homes at The Dairy Lofts,” said Indwell CEO Jeff Neven. “Every door we open together is a permanent solution to homelessness.”

The project sits on the site of the Royal Oaks Dairy, a bottling plant that opened in 1898 and remained on East Avenue for more than 80 years.