City of Owen Sound Celebrates Start of New Affordable Housing Development

Today the City of Owen Sound is celebrating a significant milestone in the community's efforts to expand affordable housing options for older adults as construction begins on a new apartment building in the city's River District.

Lutheran Social Services officially marked the beginning of the construction phase of St. Clare Place, a new four-storey residential development that will provide 40 homes for residents aged 65 and older. The project is being built on 3rd Avenue East, across from the Owen Sound Transit Terminal, offering future residents’ convenient access to transportation, services, and amenities.

Once complete, the building will offer a mix of affordable and market-rate rental units, helping address the growing need for housing that allows seniors to remain active and connected within the community. Designed with accessibility and energy efficiency in mind, the development will create comfortable, modern homes that support aging in place.

The development has been years in the making and reflects the dedication and persistence of Lutheran Social Services, its volunteers, donors, funding partners, and community supporters. Throughout the planning process, the organization worked collaboratively with all levels of government and community partners to overcome financial challenges and bring the project to life.

The City of Owen Sound has been proud to support St. Clare Place throughout its development. Municipal contributions have included the waiving of an estimated $63,000 in building permit fees, helping to reduce costs and advance the creation of much-needed affordable housing. The project has also been supported through a brownfield tax incentive, in the amount of approximately $398,000 demonstrating the City's ongoing commitment to increasing housing options and supporting community organizations that deliver lasting benefits for residents.

Additional support has been provided by Grey County, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Province of Ontario, Lutheran Outreach Ministries, private donors, and Lutheran Social Services itself.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today. St. Clare Place is anticipated to welcome its first residents in 2027. 

For more information, please contact Pam Coulter, Director of Community Services at 519-376-4440 ext. 1252 or email pcoulter@owensound.ca

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“This project represents the kind of community-building investment that will benefit Owen Sound residents for generations. Housing remains one of the most important issues facing municipalities across Ontario, and St. Clare Place will provide more options for seniors while strengthening our downtown. We are pleased to see this project moving from planning to construction and congratulate Lutheran Social Services on reaching this important milestone."

-Mayor Ian Boddy

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