DUTTON, Ont. — The federal and Ontario governments are investing more than $510,000 to support new affordable housing for seniors in Dutton, marking another project under the Canada–Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) as both levels of government face mounting pressure to expand housing supply and keep rents within reach.
The combined funding will help maintain affordability for 17 units at Caledonia 3, a newly completed three-storey apartment building at 1B Lions Road. The development includes 33 new senior-focused units in total, with the COCHI-supported portion intended to ensure a significant share remains affordable over the longer term.
The announcement comes as governments across Canada push to accelerate housing construction, reduce approval delays and address affordability challenges affecting both urban and rural communities. In the release, officials framed the Dutton project as part of a broader response to the housing crisis and the need for immediate action to increase supply.
The federal government said it is advancing new tools to boost construction, including the launch of Build Canada Homes, which is designed to increase the pace of affordable homebuilding and support projects across the housing continuum. Ottawa said the initiative will work with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities to build more transitional and supportive housing, while also partnering with private developers to deliver affordable homes for middle-income households.
Funding for Caledonia 3 was provided through COCHI, which flows from the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS). COCHI supports repairs, regeneration and expansion of community housing and can also help housing providers remain financially sustainable as older program arrangements expire.
Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said the funding reflects the federal government’s focus on enabling community-led solutions and improving stability for people who are most at risk.
“Our government is committed to providing communities the support they need to develop local solutions to homelessness. Access to adequate, affordable housing is the foundation for socio-economic success. It supports better education and health outcomes, better employment prospects, and better community engagement not to mention economic growth and financial security.”
- The Honourable Gregor Robertson
Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack said the Dutton project demonstrates how cross-government partnerships can deliver concrete results for residents, particularly seniors seeking stable and secure housing options.
“We are working hand-in-hand with all levels of government to strengthen our communities and protect our most vulnerable. Today’s announcement in Dutton stands as a testament to the power of that collaboration. Caledonia 3 is far more than a building; it is a place where seniors can have a home, build community, and live in comfort and security.”
- The Honourable Rob Flack
Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Caledonia 3 was designed with accessibility and community needs in mind. The building includes seven barrier-free units, along with a common laundry room, an elevator and shared community space. It is located within walking distance of downtown amenities and is situated next to a long-term care home and a daycare, a placement that local officials say strengthens access to services and supports.
The project also meets energy efficiency standards, aligning with wider efforts to improve building performance and reduce long-term operating costs in the housing sector. Energy-efficient construction has become an increasingly important consideration for governments and housing providers, particularly as utilities and maintenance costs factor into affordability for fixed-income residents.
Mayor Mike Hentz of the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich credited the Dutton and District Lions Club for helping deliver the development and said the new units represent a meaningful investment for the community.
“Congratulations to the Dutton and District Lions Club on the completion of Caledonia 3. This development represents a significant investment in our community by providing much-needed, affordable housing for seniors and reflects a strong commitment to strengthening our community by working together with all levels of government.”
- Mike Hentz
Mayor of Municipality of Dutton Dunwich
The announcement is also tied to the federal government’s broader housing policy framework. The National Housing Strategy is a 10-plus-year plan valued at more than $115 billion, aimed at increasing housing supply and improving affordability nationwide. As of September 2025, the federal government said it had committed $74.08 billion toward supporting the creation of more than 183,200 housing units and the repair of more than 328,800 units, prioritizing those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
Both the federal and provincial governments have emphasized the importance of speeding up housing delivery. Ontario pointed to the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, as part of its approach to streamlining development processes and reducing costs in partnership with municipalities.
While Caledonia 3 is a relatively small project in dollar terms compared with large urban developments, officials positioned it as an example of how targeted investments can deliver affordable housing outcomes in smaller communities where supply is limited and demand is rising — especially for seniors looking to downsize without leaving their local area.
The governments said the Dutton funding announcement reflects continued efforts to respond to housing pressures across Ontario and Canada, with COCHI and other National Housing Strategy programs supporting a range of affordable housing builds, repairs and sustainability measures.
