PARIS, ON – The City of Brantford and the County of Brant have officially opened 174 Trillium Way, a landmark affordable housing development that will provide 49 one- and two-bedroom units for singles, couples, small families, and seniors.
The project addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing the region: the shortage of affordable housing. More than 1,100 households are currently on the centralized housing waitlist, with over 65 per cent seeking smaller-sized units.
A Milestone in a Joint Housing Strategy
174 Trillium Way is a key deliverable of the Mayors’ Housing Partnerships Task Force Affordable Housing Action Plan — a collaborative initiative launched by the City and County to accelerate the creation of affordable homes.
Developed in partnership with Brantford Native Housing, Nova Vita, and Sensity, and constructed by VERLY Construction Group, the building is net-zero energy ready, designed for high efficiency and long-term sustainability.
“This marks a meaningful step forward in expanding access to affordable housing – something we know is urgently needed in our communities,” said County of Brant Mayor David Bailey. “Access to safe and secure housing is something that everyone deserves. We extend our sincere thanks to the City of Brantford for its continued support of social services for County residents.”
City of Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis emphasized the transformational impact of the project.
“This development is an example of what we can achieve when we work together to tackle one of the greatest challenges facing our community,” Davis said. “Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live. For our new residents, this is more than just a building, it’s the foundation for a better future.”
Real Impact on Residents’ Lives
For tenants, the opening of 174 Trillium Way represents more than just an address — it’s a turning point.
One resident shared how previous housing costs consumed nearly all of their fixed income, leaving little for essentials such as food and medical care.
“It’s a huge relief to finally have a safe, affordable home where I can be close to my family and plan for the future,” they said, adding praise for the welcoming approach of the Housing Operations staff and the building’s design.
Another tenant, Gord, described years of financial strain caused by high rent and utility bills, compounded by serious health issues and the loss of a loved one. Being accepted into the new development allowed him to reconnect with family and meet his accessibility needs.
“I have a fresh start in life and a new lease on life as they say. After I got my keys, I took a moment by myself to soak it all in. It is what I needed, and it all just kind of hit me then,” Gord said. He called the building “stunning, from the minute you walk in the door.”
Built for the Future
The net-zero energy ready status of 174 Trillium Way means lower utility costs for residents and reduced environmental impact, reflecting a growing focus on sustainability in public housing projects. Officials hope the development will serve as a model for future builds in the region.
By combining sustainable design, accessibility features, and a strong network of community partners, the project addresses both immediate housing needs and long-term resilience.
Path Forward
While the opening of 174 Trillium Way represents a significant step, officials acknowledge that more work is needed to close the housing gap. With demand far outstripping supply, the City of Brantford and the County of Brant are committed to pursuing additional developments in line with the Affordable Housing Action Plan.
For more information on affordable housing eligibility and how to apply for the centralized housing waitlist, visit brantford.ca/housing.