Residents still unhappy with 2nd affordable housing proposal in downtown Brockville
A proposed affordable housing unit in downtown Brockville was met with more public scrutiny last week, despite a renewed proposal by the developer.
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
In September, Mirabel Consulting, an Ottawa-based firm, brought forward a plan for an 18-room boarding house at 86 John Street.
The site used to be a locally-owned fur store, before closing in 2019. Five years later, the building finds itself in the middle of heated debate over affordable housing.
Some residents in the area strongly advocated against it and had a variety of concerns, claiming it would contribute to an increase in the neighbourhood’s gentrification.
Mirabel was sent back to the drawing board by the city and came back with a new proposal last week. The renewed plans for the property detail a 15-room "maisonette dwelling."
Under the Ontario Building Code Legislation, a maisonette dwelling is a home with a maximum of 16 rooms divided into 6 different units. The firm maintains that they are trying to end the stigma surrounding affordable housing.
"We’re really proud of this second proposal,” said Andrew Hamilton, a developer with Mirabel Consulting. "We believe that the mixture of traditional and non-traditional living, within this maisonette dwelling proposal, does meet the needs of this community in terms of housing."
But many residents remain unsatisfied with the renewed proposal.
David Duc owns a business just a block away and continues to voice his concerns.
"We and several other business people, we’re restricted to how we configured our businesses, to conform to the existing bylaws," he said. "If this zoning amendment was to be approved, it would set a terrible precedent for any future developments in the downtown core."
Brockville's city council will review the proposed changes and submit their recommendations to the planning and development committee.
Council is scheduled to meet again on March 5, making that the next possible date for both sides to come together again.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.