The 20-unit low-cost housing project in Perth kicked off last week on the 17th of February, and Perth Mayor John Fenik couldn’t be happier at how the partners that made the development possible came together to work for the betterment of the community. He went as far as to say that the partners are the best of everything.

Appearing during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony last week, Fenik said that he’s excited with what the future holds for the Town of Perth, especially after how everybody in the community seemed to look after one another with the planning of the project.

Indeed, the day was an exciting one for those in Perth.

Located along Rogers Road, the 20-unit project will cost $1.69 million to construct. But the best part is that 15 out of the 20 units will be specially designed for individuals and family members with special needs.

The project was made possible by the efforts of the federal and Ontario government, the Town of Perth, the Lanark County, and investors from the private sector. Designed by Perth architect Geoff Hodgins to be a structure that uses energy efficiently, the 2-story building is slated to be fully operational and ready for occupancy by mid-summer.

The town of Perth will be home to a new and affordable housing project that is set to bring some 20 brand new one-bedroom apartments to the community. The project is estimated to be finished by 2011.

The Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program recently shelled out $1.05 million for the project, while the County of Lanark gave $350,000 as part of the Delivering Opportunities for Ontario Renters (DOOR) fund. The 20-apartment complex is one of the 345 approved AHP capital projects which are aimed at offering over 10,000 housing units across the province of Ontario.

Once the project is completed, the 20 units will be up for renting at a rate that’s 20 percent lower that the average apartment on the market.

According to Nancy Green, social services director for the county, the project is primarily targeted at the area’s most vulnerable individuals, men and women who are eligible for the social housing waiting list, as well as those that are in it. Many of these individuals are in current financial binds, she said.

Groundbreaking will be held today at the site, which is located along Rogers Road and Lansdowne Avenue. The ceremony will be led by John Fenik, the Mayor of Perth.