FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Kingston, Ontario. Recently incorporated Limestone City Co-operative Housing Inc. (LCCH) is just about ready to start looking for an architect thanks to the recommendation made by City of Kingston staff to generously make up to $50,000 available. These funds would then be used to hire the professionals needed to bring the project to the next level.
The fund allowance is before Council this Tuesday.
“I really hope this passes because we are in a bit of a catch 22 situation,” says Councilor McLaren, the City’s council appointee to LCCH’s Board of Directors.
All the really big grants require high-level documentation from professionals, such as architects, to determine the amount of funding awarded. Unfortunately, without money to hire those professionals, the organization is in a position where it cannot apply for those big grants.
This recommendation from City staff will, thankfully, help LCCH fill that gap. This seed money should be enough to obtain those reports needed, which include architectural plans and various studies on feasibility. Additionally, the organization will require zoning by-law amendments, which could add additional time and expenses to the project.
LCCH hopes to erect a building which will have up to 300 mixed income units where market rents above the cost to sustain the building long term subsidize below market rents. Additionally, LCCH plans on integrating several green features, including indoor vertical farming, a green wall, and other agricultural opportunities for members and the community at large.
Co-operative housing also relies on collaboration from members, and we hope to involve our residents in everything from the day to day running of the building to agricultural efforts to even running classes for others in the area.
LCCH is a reaction to the commodification of housing. We believe that residents should make their own decisions on how to live together, and that the best type of living is one where everyone is working together for a common cause. Should LCCH receive the seed funding, the organization will be well on its way to helping Kingstonians live together in a community that is green, where housing costs are affordable, and where we can work together to mitigate climate change and increasing food security.