By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Housing for seniors is about to take shape in the former Victoria Park Public School in east Chatham.
At the April 27 meeting, Chatham-Kent council approved a zoning change allowing the creation of 31 small apartments within the structure.
In speaking to council about the application, C-K director of planning services Ryan Jacques said the units will range in size from 430 square feet to 740 sq. ft.
In response to a question from Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey about what’s proposed, Jacques said the application indicates the apartments will be rented at “affordable” market rent.
“It should not necessarily be assumed that market rent means top end of market,” Jacques explained. “It’s my understanding that the applicant intends to seek seniors as tenants, and it would be reasonable to assume that rents would be consistent with that demographic.”
Purchased by a group of local investors in 2022, the school was utilized by the municipality as the Victoria Park Place homeless shelter from 2022 to 2025. That led Chatham-Kent to seek an alternative solution, resulting in the creation of Pathways on Park. The 50-unit tiny cabin transitional housing complex on Park Street in Chatham now serves the homeless population.
The Victoria Park property is owned by a numbered company.
Meanwhile, a zoning change has paved the way for the construction of a new three-storey apartment complex at 178 William St. S. in Chatham.
Chatham-Kent council approved the measure at a recent meeting following an application from an Ontario numbered company.
Located across the street from Terrace Forty apartments, the build will include six three-bedroom units; three two-bedroom units and one studio apartment.
The land is currently vacant.
