A vacant lot in the area of Wellington and Tancred streets that was sold for one dollar by the city to the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation is being flipped to Habitat for Humanity for a future housing project.
The home that once stood on 60 London St. was involved in a fire on July 13, 2019 and last year was offered by the city in a tax sale that received no bids. The property was eventually offered to the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation for one dollar.
On Thursday, the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) approved a sale of the 30-foot by 100-foot property to Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area at the cost of $2.
"I just want to tell the board we put our business minds together and we're bringing you a 100 per cent return on your investment," said DSSAB CEO Mike Nadeau during the meeting of the board, to laughter.
Nadeau noted that the Habitat for Humanity board has already voted in favour of purchasing the property, if it was offered.
"They are hoping to start developing on that site during the next construction season," said Nadeau, just before the motion to sell the property was passed by the DSSAB.
In recent years, properties at 23 Blake Ave. and 162 Dennis St. were also sold to Habitat in a similar arrangement. The Blake Street property was eventually offered to Habitat for Humanity and a new home was built and offered to a family last year.
In an email, Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area CEO Katie Blunt told SooToday her organization is grateful for its partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation and the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
"We need more affordable housing, and we need it in all areas of the community," said Blunt. "When Habitat reviews properties for its program, we look at its location, proximity to services, access to transportation, and the ease at which it can be developed."
It's important for the organization to have a pipeline of properties, said Blunt, because it is always working two to three years ahead.
"Before we can develop 60 London Street, our staff, with the support of volunteers and build partners, needs to determine what size of house we can fit on the lot, design the house, and partner with a family that is ready for the responsibilities of homeownership," said Blunt. "We are thankful to have support from local government, social services, build sponsors, and donors. They are helping Habitat make affordable housing possible and that is an urgent need in Sault Ste. Marie.”