A multi-million-dollar housing project providing 19 affordable housing units in downtown Windsor officially opened on Friday. The Grace on Ouellette Apartments, located at 1106 Ouellette Avenue, were developed in a converted former medical building and will offer permanent housing options through the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (CHC).
Partnership and Funding
The federal government and the province invested more than $3.3 million into the project. Approximately $1.2 million came from the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, while $2.1 million was provided through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative. The Community Housing Corporation purchased the two-storey building, which was formerly owned by Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH). HDGH offered a $350,000 discount on the sale.
Support for Vulnerable Residents
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, CHC chief executive Fabio Constante highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project. “Seeing the doors of The Grace on Ouellette Apartments officially open is a proud moment for CHC and all the partners who helped bring this project to life,” Constante said. “What began as a shared vision between all levels of government and community partners has now become 19 new affordable and deeply affordable homes that represent safety, stability, and a fresh start for individuals in our community who need them most.”
Constante noted that some units will support the Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub initiative, helping individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges access stable housing and vital support services.
Community Impact
Bill Marra, president and chief executive of HDGH, emphasized the importance of housing as a social determinant of health. “Seeing this former HDGH property transformed into affordable homes, particularly with units geared to income, reflects the kind of cross-sector collaboration needed to support our community’s most vulnerable residents,” Marra said. “As a co-lead of the Windsor-Essex Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub, the opening of 19 affordable units will help ensure access to stable housing alongside wrap-around supports, including primary care, mental health services, and addictions treatment.”
Mayor Drew Dilkens praised the project as an example of what can be achieved through united efforts. “This project shows what is possible when government partners, healthcare institutions, housing providers, and a community focused on the right priorities unite for a shared purpose,” Dilkens said. “The Grace on Ouellette Apartments will help connect residents to additional support services and pathways toward long-term stability.”
Project Details
First announced in 2023, the project originally planned for 15 affordable units but was later expanded to 19. All but two units are currently filled. The building is located steps away from Windsor Regional Hospital’s Ouellette Campus, providing convenient access to healthcare services.
