It used to be the site of a used car lot. Today, with some vision and a sizable funding commitment from various levels of government, the corner of Hansen Road and Queen Street in Brampton is home to Peel Region’s latest social housing project.

“We have a responsibility to ensure the basic needs of our citizens are met and housing certainly has to be one of those needs,” said regional Coun. Gael Miles, from the 15th floor of the Hansen building at 247 Queen St. E.

Government and community leaders gathered in downtown Brampton Friday, Dec. 9 to mark the launch of a 15-storey, 205-unit affordable housing complex near the heart of the city’s commercial district.

Hansen is a partnership between Peel Region and Supportive Housing In Peel (SHIP) and is funded in part by Ottawa and Queen’s Park.