The office building known as "The Walkway" that connects Main St to Oak has been sold and proceeds will go toward "the development of additional affordable housing opportunities in the District," according to a news release. No sale price was given.
"The Nipissing District Housing Corporation (NDHC) has finalized the sale of 129-133 Main Street West, North Bay with a closing date of May 31st, 2021," says the release. "NDHC and District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) Housing Programs will move to North Bay City Hall in mid-May to co-locate with the DNSSAB corporate offices."
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“The Main Street building was seen as an asset that could be used to help meet the great need for affordable housing in the District," says NDHC Chair, Dave Mendicino.
Earlier this month DSSAB Chair Mark King hinted at the sale of the office building after an application to Canadian Mortgage and Housing for a Rapid Housing grant was denied.
King said at the time that DNSSAB would work to see if some other options are open to getting affordable housing projects off the ground, including selling the “Walkway” on Main St. W. that was expected to bring in $1 million.
"We've been trying to put some money together to leverage that money for geared to income housing. We take this seed money and try to leverage it against grant money to make some of these builds work. It's something the Board will have to look at."
There are currently 737 applicants waiting for NDHC housing units. The Board will now determine the best way the proceeds of the sale can be used
This move will see DNSSAB and NDHC services in one location including Ontario Works, Children’s Services, Housing Programs and NDHC services.
Satellite offices continue to provide services in Mattawa, West Nipissing and South Algonquin.
