At least 400 new housing units are planned for the Allendale site in Milton, though the timeline for construction is still uncertain as the project awaits funding from federal and provincial sources.
The “shovel-ready” initiative is part of Halton Region’s 10-year housing strategy plan for 2025-2035, with the Allendale campus identified as a key housing opportunity, alongside three additional sites in Oakville.
“Regional council has approved feasibility and due diligence work to be conducted on each of these sites, and we're moving towards construction readiness as quickly as possible,” said Andrew Farr, commissioner of public works, during his presentation at the latest Halton regional council meeting.
Describing the project as “a complex and great opportunity,” Farr discussed the ongoing efforts and commitment to community engagement needed to bring it to fruition.
The Allendale project has the potential to accommodate up to 434 residents across three buildings, with a combined estimated total cost of $342 million. According to a regional document, the site is already zoned for this development and has the necessary water and wastewater services in place.
When asked about timelines by Coun. Sameera Ali, who noted that the “community need is very high,” Farr expressed caution in making predictions.
“The Allendale project is in pre-development work, meaning we're looking at a range of conceptual approaches, particularly for the development of what we call building 1, the initial element of the site — which would be multi-story housing environment for older adults, and would likely contain some element of a wellness hub,” Farr explained. “We are working with third parties on developing the feasibility associated with that and engaged with the Town of Milton related to that property.”
He added, “Given the size and scale of that project, I would suggest it is entirely reliant on the attraction of federal and provincial investment. I don't see a path forward within our next 10-year strategy for the region to try to solely fund the development of that Allendale site.”
Farr said staff are actively engaging with federal and provincial colleagues, as well as developers experienced in creating lower-income housing.