After several meetings with Councillors, Indwell has the approval that will allow them to begin redevelopment on the Norfolk Inn.
The social housing provider began work on the Norfolk Inn last October when they bought it and found lodging for the 41 tenants previously occupying it.
Their goal is to turn the Inn into supportive housing but they ran into some issues when changes were made to the funding of social housing in Canada.
Indwell needed Norfolk County to become involved in order to unlock federal funding.
Last month, they approached Norfolk Council asking for $250,000 a year spread over 20 years.
Officials from Indwell said that that 5-million-dollar commitment was necessary to receive federal funding.
Members of council were concerned about the impact on the County’s finances if they were to commit the funding.
Treasury staff figured the full cost of the County’s commitment would equal out to $6.72 a household.
County staff are also working with Indwell to find outside funding source to cover the cost to the County.
In the end council approved the funding, passing the motion 5-4.
Councillor did put in some additions to the deal.
The County will receive an equity stake in the property and there will be an opt-out clause at the 10 year mark if the County decides to end their partnership.