Durham Region to proceed with the redevelopment of DRLHC sites in Oshawa

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Regional Council has endorsed the feasibility analysis for the redevelopment of two Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation (DRLHC) sites, located on Christine Crescent and Malaga Road in Oshawa. Regional Council’s decision is the first step in the redevelopment process to redevelop community housing sites into new mixed income neighbourhoods including rent-geared-to-income, affordable and market rental housing.

Redevelopment of the Christine Crescent site will replace 12 existing semi-detached units with a mid-rise apartment building and stacked townhouses totalling approximately 160 units. The Malaga Road site will replace 65 existing townhouse units with two new mid-rise buildings, as well as stacked and back-to-back townhouses totalling 440 units. The Christine Crescent site will proceed first.

The Region is embarking on an initiative to revitalize and redevelop the DRLHC’s community housing sites. In 2022, Durham Regional Council passed a resolution identifying several DRLHC properties for revitalization. These two properties, Malaga Road and Christine Crescent, are the first projects of the overall revitalization plans. The Region will be in contact with current residents to ensure that they are given alternate housing during the revitalization and are given first priority in the newly designed and finished units.

By redeveloping these properties, the Region of Durham will provide more affordable housing, a mix of market rent and rent-geared-to-income units, in improved buildings constructed to modern standards.

For more information, please visit durham.ca/CommunityHousingProject.

Quotes

“Durham Regional Council’s endorsement of this feasibility analysis marks a pivotal step toward revitalizing the Christine Crescent and Malaga Road properties. We aim to create vibrant, diverse, and healthy neighborhoods, ensuring that existing residents in Malaga and Christine Crescent, and those seeking affordable housing, benefit from our commitment. By replacing outdated units with modern designs, we’re elevating the quality of life for all.”

-  John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“We’ve all seen the positive impacts that more rental properties and affordable housing options can bring to a community. This project can help enhance the quality of life for our current tenants, and the surrounding community, all within an existing location. Before us is a chance to create additional units—a mix of market rent and rent-geared-to-income homes that help give everyone an equal opportunity. And, most importantly, we have a chance to make a difference in the lives of so many; including those who will soon call this place: home.” 

-  Bob Chapman, Regional Councillor, Region of Durham, and Chair, Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation

“The current residents at these two properties are an important part of the DRLHC revitalization and we are committed to sharing information and obtaining feedback throughout the process. The new properties will provide a range of housing for diverse needs, create new modernized housing, and support a sense of community.”

-  Gary Muller, Director, Affordable Housing Development and Renewal, Region of Durham

Quick facts

• Existing residents of the properties of Christine Crescent and Malaga Road have been engaged throughout the design process. Engagement opportunities to date have included: meet and greets, neighbourhood walks, surveys, tenant drop-ins and community open houses. An online community meeting was also held on February 28 to reveal the design concepts and obtain feedback.
• The Community Housing Redevelopment Project supports the Region’s commitment to initiate the development of 1,000 new affordable rental housing units throughout Durham Region by 2024, as detailed in the Region’s At Home in Durham, the Durham Housing Plan 2014-2024, and the Region’s Master Housing Strategy.

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