FAQs

The County of Brant needs more housing options that people can afford.

The Brantford-Brant Housing Master Plan and the Mayors’ Housing Partnerships Task Force Affordable Housing Action Plan identified a need for 337 additional non-profit and co-operative housing units across Brantford-Brant by 2031. The County’s share of that identified need is 94 units. 

This project will add 35 affordable seniors’ units in St. George and provide another housing option for seniors who want to continue living in their community.

Co-operative housing, often called co-op housing, is different from a traditional rental building as it member-controlled housing. The members who live in a co-op are the ones responsible for running the co-op. Each member has a vote and every year members elect a Board of Directors from the membership.

The co-operative housing model can also provide housing at costs below those typically found in the private rental market.

Members run the co-op. Most co-ops hire staff to do the day-to-day work. Members work together to keep housing well-managed and affordable.

Co-op Housing is secure. Co-op members are asked to leave only if they break the co-op’s by-laws. The co-op will never be sold for profit so members can choose to remain in the co-op for a longtime. It is easier for people to be come involved in their community if they know they will be a part of it for a long time.

There is no landlord. Members make big decisions about how the buildings will be maintained and how the business of the co-op will be managed.

Yes. Additional seniors’ housing has been considered for this property for several years.

The existing Russell Heights building was constructed in the early 1980s and includes 25 affordable seniors’ units. The County assumed ownership of the property in 2020. The property also includes vacant land that has previously been identified for additional seniors’ housing. 

In 2021, the County explored a second phase of Russell Heights that could provide additional seniors’ housing. A virtual public meeting was held in February 2021 to share the early concept and hear from the community.

The project was later paused after an application for funding through the federal Rapid Housing Initiative was unsuccessful.

The County continued to explore opportunities for additional seniors’ housing at this location. In November 2023, Council approved a partnership with the Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation and the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada to explore a co-operative housing development at Russell Heights. 

Since then, planning, design, costing and funding work has continued with the current project providing 35 affordable seniors’ co-operative housing units.

Occupancy is currently anticipated by fall 2028. This timing may change as the project progresses.

Information about eligibility, applications, and how units will be allocated is not yet available. Details will be shared as they are confirmed.