Historic 492-Unit Co-operative Housing Development Announced for St. Catharines
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic 492-Unit Co-operative Housing Development Announced for St. Catharines
Largest Housing Co-operative Development in Niagara's History to Deliver Affordable, Sustainable Housing at Former Hotel Dieu Hospital Site
ST. CATHARINES, ON – Community leaders, housing partners, and government representatives gathered today to celebrate the announcement of a transformational new housing development at the former Hotel Dieu Hospital site in downtown St. Catharines.
The project, led by the Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing Federation in partnership with Elevate Living and supported by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will deliver 492 new housing units, making it the largest housing co-operative development in Niagara's history.
The development represents a major milestone in addressing Niagara's housing needs while setting a new standard for environmentally sustainable community building. Designed as a net-zero ready community, the project will incorporate geothermal energy systems and other innovative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs while creating long-term housing affordability for residents."This project demonstrates what is possible when governments, non-profit housing providers, and private sector partners work together toward a common goal," explained Drew Toth, Founder and CEO of Elevate Living. "We are proud to have played a role in helping transform this important site into a vibrant community that will provide affordable housing opportunities for hundreds of Niagara residents for generations to come."
Elevate Living played a key role in advancing the project from concept to reality, including securing the site and first-mile financing, leading planning and development efforts, working with municipal partners to obtain critical incentives and fee waivers, and supporting the successful pursuit of CMHC funding.
The project will transform the former Hotel Dieu Hospital lands into a mixed-income, sustainable community that aligns with the housing and climate objectives of all levels of government.
"This development is about more than housing units," added Toth. "It is about creating a complete community that delivers affordability, environmental responsibility, and long-term social impact. We believe this project can serve as a model for future housing developments across Niagara and beyond.”
“The Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing Federation (GHCHF) is excited to be a part of the first new housing co-operative being built in the City of St. Catharines in over 30 years! Co-op housing puts people over profit, and we are deeply thankful to the several partners who helped make this project possible: the federal government through CMHC for providing the mortgage funding, Elevate Living for development support and up front funding, the City of St. Catharines for continued support and waiver of fees, Niagara Region for providing grants and support, and our sister federation CHF Canada for development support. The Collective Housing Co-operative is bringing 492 new units of affordable and safe housing, and we are excited to see the positive impact this makes in the community.” – Doug Sider, Executive Director of GHCHFThe development has benefited from strong collaboration among the City of St. Catharines, the Region of Niagara, CMHC, Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing Federation, and numerous community partners committed to expanding housing options throughout the region.
Construction timelines and additional project details will be announced as the development moves into its next phase.-30-About Elevate LivingElevate Living is a Niagara-based development and housing company focused on creating innovative housing solutions that deliver both financial and social returns. Through strategic partnerships, community-focused planning, and sustainable development practices, Elevate Living is helping address Ontario's housing challenges while building stronger communities.
About Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing FederationThe Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing Federation supports the development and success of housing co-operatives across Ontario, creating affordable, community-driven housing opportunities that empower residents and strengthen neighbourhoods.
Media Contact:
Deanna Pope-Toth
