The City of Brantford and the County of Brant marked the opening Wednesday of 174 Trillium Way, a 49-unit affordable housing complex aimed at easing one of the region’s most pressing shortages.
The development — built in partnership with Brantford Native Housing, Nova Vita, and Sensity, and constructed by VERLY Construction Group — offers one- and two-bedroom apartments for singles, couples, seniors, and small families. It is net-zero energy ready, designed for high efficiency and long-term sustainability.
The project is part of the Mayors’ Housing Partnerships Task Force Affordable Housing Action Plan, a joint initiative between the city and county. More than 1,100 households are currently on the centralized housing waitlist, with about two-thirds seeking smaller units.
“This marks a meaningful step forward in expanding access to affordable housing — something we know is urgently needed,” County of Brant Mayor David Bailey told attendees. “Access to safe and secure housing is something that everyone deserves.”
City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis called the project “an example of what we can achieve when we work together to tackle one of the greatest challenges facing our community.” He said secure, affordable housing allows people “to plan rather than just survive day-to-day.”
For new residents, the impact has been immediate. One tenant said high rent had left little money for food or medical needs, but the move has brought “a renewed sense of safety and security” and the ability to be close to family.
Another resident, Gord, said high rent and utility costs, combined with health issues and the loss of a loved one, had left him “hardly getting by.” The new home has allowed him to reconnect with family and meet his accessibility needs. “I have a fresh start in life,” he said. “After I got my keys, I took a moment by myself to soak it all in. It is what I needed.”
Applications for affordable housing can be made through the centralized waitlist at brantford.ca/housing.
