The community of Wallaceburg could soon be one step closer to getting a new housing development.
During the February 14 planning meeting, council will consider a proposal to sever a property to create a new 5.4-acre site on Base Line Road in Wallaceburg.
According to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, if council approves the land severance, it will mark the first step toward the creation of a multi-phase development in the community. The first phase of the development would be a five-story, 85 unit apartment building on Base Line Road near Murray Street that would feature a mix of one and two-bedroom units.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said there has been significant pent-up demand for additional housing in Wallaceburg.
According to Canniff, the first of what could be three buildings could be completed within 12 months after planning requirements are met and construction begins. The development will require further municipal approval for zoning amendments and site plans before it proceeds.
"This is the first major housing development for the community in years and I expect it will be the first of many," he said. "There are a number of other projects in the planning phase, and I expect 2023 to be a banner year for residential construction in Wallaceburg."
Canniff did not disclose the developer that's attached to the Wallaceburg project, but said the company has a "track record" of building in Chatham-Kent.
In 2021, the municipality had a record 390 new building permits, accounting for just under 800 new housing units across the community.