Elgin Park Redevelopment

In March 2019, Northumberland County announced plans for the Elgin Park Redevelopment in Cobourg in order to increase the number of subsidized and market rental housing units at this location from 18 to 40. In addition to 12 market rental units, there will be 28 subsidized units - an increase of ten over the current availability at this site - adding to the Northumberland County Housing Corporation's existing stock of 366 units across Northumberland. Elgin Park represents a major step forward in the collective commitment of Northumberland County and Northumberland County Housing Corporation to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in Northumberland.

Emphasizing environmental sustainability and accessibility, Elgin Park is actively pursuing LEED certification given its green-building approach and environmentally focused design. Additionally, select units feature specialized accessibility and mobility features.  

Redevelopment status

  • In 2019, the County received funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – a $30,000 grant and a $120,000 interest-free loan – towards the cost of pre-development work for the Elgin Park Redevelopment.
  • Schematic designs were developed identifying the construction of four new 10-unit buildings. In 2021, the County worked with the Town of Cobourg to rezone the site.
  • On October 15, 2020, Northumberland County hosted an online/telephone Q&A session to share updates on the status of this redevelopment with residents and to obtain feedback about the proposed design in order to inform the zoning application process. Background materials, including a presentation on the proposed design, were provided and remain available for review through our Join In Northumberland consultation portal.
  • In January 2022, phase one construction activity began with the removal of four two-unit retired buildings to make way for the development of two 10-unit buildings. 
  • In August 2022, the Government of Canada announced a further investment of $2.4 million through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) to support the redevelopment project.
  • Construction of the first two buildings began in January 2023 and was completed on schedule and within budget in November 2023.
  • Phase two of the redevelopment, consisting of two additional buildings, is slated to begin in December 2023, with a targeted completion timeline of 2025.

Updates

Background

The average household income in Northumberland County is below the provincial average, making affordability a critical issue.

  • Northumberland residents face one of the lowest vacancy rates in Ontario at just 1%.
  • Data indicates that 48% of local renter households are spending 30% or more on housing costs.
  • The wait list for subsidized housing has expanded by over 260%  since 2008, with approximately 1,000 households now on this list. The demand for units is highest in the Town of Cobourg, where the wait is now approximately nine years.

The Elgin Park Redevelopment responds to the critical need for additional RGI and purpose-built rental housing in Northumberland.

About the Northumberland County Housing Corporation

The Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) is a community housing provider in Northumberland County with over 366 owned and operated housing units. The NCHC provides rent-geared-to-income (RGI) and affordable rental options to low-income households in Northumberland.

Northumberland County is the sole shareholder of the NCHC and gives direction to its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is responsible for the budget, upholding corporate by-laws, agreements, and reports; and for long-range strategic planning. The Board of Directors is comprised of County Council representatives, the Chief Administrative Officer of Northumberland County, and citizen directors.

Apply for subsidized housing

To apply for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing, please visit our Subsidized Housing page.

Stay tuned for more information about how to apply for market rent units.

Questions?

We invite you to email any questions or comments about the Elgin Park Redevelopment to the project team.

Email our team