The chair of the board of directors of the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society says they hope to have shovels in the ground for their latest project by the spring or summer.
Colleen Cameron says they still need to apply for provincial and federal funding, but $100,000 commitments from officials with the Town of Antigonish and Antigonish Co. show there is local buy-in for the proposed complex on Appleseed Dr. near Antigonish Education Centre and Saint Andrew Junior School.
Cameron tells The Hawk they’re filling a real need in the local area.
“It’s extremely needed,” she says. “Antigonish has very high costs for housing.”
Cameron says they need to issue a request for tenders for a design firm in order to have plans for the 15-unit development ready for the start of construction season.
She says they want to be good community members first and foremost.
“We’re building community, and the support from both governments (town and county) is demonstrating that,” she says. “Our last build we had, the community was extremely supportive- with all of what we’re doing, our vision is financial, environmental and social sustainability.”
Cameron says the next step is to secure the remaining funding for the $3-million project.
She says they’ll also approach officials with the provincial and federal governments.
