$4M deal with school board sees 14 acres of land acquired in Cobourg for new housing
Deal will ‘actively increase the local stock of affordable housing,’ says county warden
As new affordable housing projects are proposed and funding is secured, Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander says the purchase of 14 acres of prime land in an already established subdivision in Cobourg’s west end will allow the county to move toward more affordable and attainable housing options for the region.
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and the county finalized a deal last week to see the county acquire a 14-acre parcel of land located at 699 Westwood Dr. and 637 Burwash St., in Cobourg.
The property — currently a grass and wooded area south of Westwood Park — was declared surplus by the board and placed on the market for sale under the requirements of Ontario Regulation 444/98.
Northumberland County purchased the property for $1.5 million, with another $250,000 per developable acre of land — up to 10 acres — to be paid following environmental assessments, for a total investment at or below $4 million.
“This acquisition underscores our commitment to meeting the housing needs of residents by creating the conditions to actively increase the local stock of affordable housing,” Ostander said.
“By strategically acquiring this property, we are taking proactive steps to build a stronger, more resilient community.”
The negotiation process, which began in October following direction from county council, involved planning and consultation between the county and the school board to best understand the land’s potential for housing development, along with detailed consultation with the Town of Cobourg and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority.
The future development of the 14 acres, adjacent to Westwood Park, is subject to standard zoning and environmental reviews.
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Northumberland County for the sale of the Westwood Drive property at fair market value,” said Jaine Klassen Jeninga, chair for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.
Northumberland County is the sole shareholder of Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) — the primary provider of affordable housing services in Northumberland. The NCHC presently manages 373 geared-to-income and market rate affordable housing units.
The county views the acquisition of 699 Westwood Dr. as a significant opportunity for future partnership between the county and NCHC to further address housing affordability and accessibility in Northumberland.