Sarnia's mayor thinks a proposal from Habitat for Humanity to develop tiny housing units is excellent.
Council will consider rezoning and bylaw amendments on Monday, to permit development of a five-unit, multiple attached dwelling at 236 Christina Street.
Mike Bradley said the proposal fits into the city's strategy of having a complete range of housing options.
"I hope it opens the door for more similar type projects across the community, if different pieces of land become available, to help people in this national crisis," said Bradley. "Every new unit helps, but the pressures that are out there right now in the rental market, the pressures that are there just in general on housing, are enormous."
The lands are located east of Christina Street South, between Talfourd and Devine Streets, directly across from Rainbow Park.
"This is a good way to renew that neighbourhood. It's on transit routes, it's close to downtown and Habitat for Humanity has an excellent record in this community of accomplishing what they set out to do," Bradley said.
The single storey units would each measure 36 square meters, and include a bedroom, great room, kitchen, bathroom and a parking space.
"I think this is a start forward in the segment of the population looking for just the basics as it relates to housing. I think the other thing that's really important from looking at projects across the country is to make sure the support services are there for people going into that housing and that they're part of a community and not just isolated in a small unit," said Bradley.
Habitat's mission is to break the cycle of poverty and build strong communities by helping people gain access to affordable and sustainable housing.
The organization built its first home in Sarnia in 1994 and has constructed many more since, including a similar townhouse development in 2018 on Guthrie Drive East in north Sarnia.
Sarnia council's regular meeting starts at 1 p.m. Monday.
