It’s a small but valuable contribution to tackle the problem of affordable housing in Milton.

That’s how Lori-Anne Gagne, executive director of Victoria Park Community Homes (VPCH), describes the new five-storey apartment development at 154 Bronte St. due for completion next year.

“We are so delighted and very excited,” Gagne told the Milton Champion of getting the project off the ground, noting that it has been quite a few years since they have added new housing stock due to soaring land and construction costs.

The project, which has been in the works since 2015, will be located at the front of an existing VPCH property – the Rotary Square. It will feature 24 one-bedroom units, something that’s lacking onsite.

Out of the 24 units, 15 will be part of the rental subsidy agreement with the Halton region – with six units dedicated for individuals on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and nine units for low-income households that are on the waitlist of the region’s subsidized housing program.

“It will be a real addition to the area and the community,” Gagne said, pointing out that the project will have a universal design to help residents with mobility issues – including wider halls, common space and doorways for all units, braille signage, and more.

Coun. Colin Best says the project “brings people into the community” and provides affordable housing for young families, as well as seniors, right on the transit routes and close to downtown.

“I’ve seen the plans for it, it’s quite a nice development,” he said.

Best said there are a number of medium- and high-density housing projects that are at various stages of development in town: nine projects are currently under construction, which are expected to bring over 1,300 units to the market; while four approved applications should provide 1,138 units.

“There’s a lot of activity happening in Milton,” the councillor said.