This includes using Municipal Development Corp, which caused some discussion at city council
St. Catharines city council has given approval for city administration to move forward with a plan to use over $25-million from Ottawa to build homes.
That plan included seven initiatives, but some councillors had a problem with the first one, a Municipal Development Corporation.
Mayor Mat Siscoe reminded council it approved the initiatives. "This isn't a pick and choose... the federal government gave us $25.7-million predicated on the fact that we were going to deliver these 7 initiatives. If we don't deliver one of the initiatives that's indicated in the Housing Accelerator Fund application, they're going to take the money back."
A number of councillors acknowledged the MDC was approved in principal, but needed further information.
Councillor Carlos Garcia explained his trepidation.
"I still say council has not approved having a Municipal Development Corporation, and the presentation that we had back in May showed it could cost us between $400,000 and $900,000 a year."
Other initiatives included a sanitary sewer assessment plan, climate resilient housing development plan, and inclusive housing initiative.
Region Trims More from Budget
Cold Weather Policy for Homeless Not Changing
Niagara Falls Handling Salt Shortage
Man Killed in Tent Fire
Region Updated on Measles Outbreak
St. Catharines Draws X Through X
Police Looking for Laundry Thief
Toronto Man Charged with Trafficking