Ridgetown will soon be home to a major residential development.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Apollo Property Management, and Clarke Developments announced a 131 home, $70 million subdivision on Thursday afternoon. The municipality said construction of the new Highland Subdivision in the east end at Warwick and Cecil streets will begin late this Spring and will be done in two phases.
Apollo Group of Companies President Fred Naclerio said the single-family home development is a positive step for the community.
“I think Ridgetown is a hidden gem with so much to offer and I truly believe it will grow and prosper,” he said. “Being a resident of Ridgetown I look forward to our community growing and prospering and welcome newcomers to enjoy what I’ve enjoyed living in Ridgetown.”
Mayor Darrin Canniff praised Naclerio for believing in the future of Chatham-Kent.
“Fred has been involved in the growth of Chatham Kent for two decades. He is truly a community builder who believes in making a difference,” the mayor said.
Meantime, the municipality wants to open an overnight shelter in downtown Chatham.
Municipal officials said they want to team up with Hope Haven at 183 Wellington St West because the Emergency and Rapid Rehousing Program currently located at the Travelodge Hotel must move because provincial funding that supported the program and the lease with Travelodge is ending.
Director of Employment and Social Services Polly Smith said local homelessness has grown by about 150 per cent since December 2019 and there are approximately 200 people without a place to stay on any given night. She added each week approximately five people access emergency housing for the first time.
Officials said the average market rent for a one-bedroom unit has climbed more than 40 per cent in the last three years while social assistance remains at 2019 levels.
Smith said Hope Haven is well suited to be an alternative to the Travelodge, with 27 beds that meet current infection control requirements. Hope Haven has operated a day program and provided overnight shelter during extreme weather.
The idea will go before council on March 7, 2022.
Local motel operators interested in working with the municipality will also be asked to reserve a certain number of rooms for families and prioritized individuals because of the limited supply of rooms.
Community conversations will be held on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday at noon through the Chatham-Kent Facebook Page.
