By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
After a prolonged discussion that saw most of Chatham-Kent council weigh in, council voted to purchase the former St. Agnes Catholic school for just over $1 million.
The 10-7 approval followed both vehement protest and enthusiastic support – despite the fact the price is around $400,000 more than a Christian charity paid for it in 2021.
Indwell Community Homes bought the Chatham property from the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for $635,000 with the aim of creating a supportive housing complex. C-K council got on board, committing $9.7 million towards the buy, however, an application for a $15.6-million Rapid Housing Initiative federal grant was turned down, ending the bid.
The school has been vacant since that time.
Chatham Coun. Michael Bondy kicked off the protest, pointing out the municipality shouldn’t be in the business of buying property.
He also questioned the fact that the property is intended for affordable or supportive housing, noting he didn’t think current infrastructure could support a large build and an affordable housing build doesn’t fit with the neighbourhood.
“I feel like I’m getting sort of railroaded on this,” Bondy said. “Clearly, we’re buying this for affordable housing.”
In response to Bondy, director of municipal housing development Ray Harper, said the purchase is intended for affordable housing but future decisions still need to be determined by council.
“This report is just for the acquisition of land for future opportunities,” Harper said. “We’re buying the asset to provide options to address our housing needs.”
CAO Michael Duben echoed Harper, pointing out the future land use for the Croyden Street property rests with council.
“The decision down the road will be up to council, to decide whether you want to use it for affordable housing or supportive housing” Duben said, adding the site “ticks off a lot of boxes” as it is already serviced and supports council’s objective to address Chatham-Kent’s affordable housing crisis.
“I want to be clear,” he added. “Administration isn’t pushing this particular site. We’re in favour of purchasing the property because of how difficult it has been to purchase property and this is piece of property that is already properly zoned.”
Several councillors expressed dismay about the increase in the price.
Chatham Coun. Amy Finn said the school sale has been a “hot topic,” noting she found spending the extra $400,000 over the original price “hard to swallow.”
North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail chimed in, saying that while she wishes Indwell well, she’s not in favour.
After hearing a handful of deputations and intense grilling of administration by council, elected officials opted for the buy. Ultimately, council decided it’s better to have control of the use of the property, rather than leave it in the hands of a private developer if it went on the open market.
Some misinformation about the purchase was cleared up during the meeting. Council heard from chief financial officer Gord Quinton that the municipality didn’t give Indwell the $9.7 million it had earmarked for the project, with the money going back into C-K’s coffers.
“We believe this is an investment and we can get a return on that investment,” Quinton said.
It was pointed out repeatedly by staff that if any upper tier government funding does become available for affordable housing, the property is “shovel ready.”
The difference between supportive housing and affordable housing was also explained. Jodi Guilmette, C-K’s general manager of health and human services, stated affordable housing is housing that costs 80 per cent of market rate or less, with supportive housing offering on-site services to those who need help with day-to-day life.
According to a report from staff, two separate evaluations of the property were undertaken earlier this year, one coming at the $1-million mark, another at $1,025,000.
When questioned by North Kent Coun. Rhonda Jubenville as to why the municipality is entering into a “memorandum of understanding” with Indwell, Duben said some of the money Indwell had used for the initial purchase came from donations and these funds need to be properly designated for housing. It also continues a collaborative “good faith” partnership between the municipality and Indwell for potential future projects.
Several councillors also pointed out the buy helps pave the way for affordable housing – something that’s top of mind for council and a goal of the municipality’s strategic plan.
Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor stated that purchasing the property allows C-K to control its future use.
“I think that this makes sense to go forward with,” McGregor said. “The number one thing we hear in feedback from the public is that we have a housing shortage, a homelessness issue. We need to be able to control some options to build affordable housing and this is one way that we can do it.”
West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan was another who supported the purchase, saying it aligns with the strategic plan and values.
The councillor said that “integrating” different types of housing in residential areas has proven to be a way of building community.
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew also expressed her support, saying the already serviced property “removes one of the barriers” C-K could encounter in trying to get upper tier funding.
The agreement also allows the municipality to demolish the 65-year-old school building but keep the newer gymnasium which is deemed to be in good shape.
Currently, the property is zoned for a maximum of 75 units following a decision by the Ontario Land Tribunal. Indwell’s original plan was to build 95 units, but a challenge to that was launched by neighbours of the property.
