PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Town of Prescott www.investprescott.ca A progressive, vibrant community positioned on the majestic St. Lawrence River, at the heart of Eastern Ontario, Canada. Prescott is a natural choice for business & tourism, boasting immediate access to all major transportation networks, competitive business and development incentives, iconic attractions, and incomparable quality of life. further spur the commercial side of it, as well. We’re working with a couple of developers that are taking buildings that aren’t necessarily suited for their size anymore; splitting them up and doing multi-unit apartments.” “At the same time, we have conditionally sold two parcels in the town and that is for 224 units we’re looking to build. It’s the municipality putting its money where its mouth is and willing to divest itself of vacant or underutilized lots. Finally, the backside of Town Hall has been vacant for many years. We had a developer ask where there might be a spot for affordable housing. That led to the council looking at that back lot and we’re moving forward with an application process to build affordable housing there. The town is committed to making sure that not only are new dwellings built, but affordable ones as well. We embrace that because we see that as an affordable way to increase the housing stock using our current infrastructure; not having to add additional water and sewer to a lot, but to utilize what’s there. That drives down the overall cost to build that unit, so it’s something we very much support.” Mayor Shankar agrees that by promoting mixeduse in new construction, adding more downtown apartments, and finding a way to increase the number of units in already built homes and vacant lots, Prescott can resolve its housing needs. “That’s our best way, looking forward,” he avers. “I think we’re at a point now where almost all of our downtown businesses are full, and that’s a good sign, and so are the 50 apartments. If we can keep building on that number, and keep beautifying the downtown, it creates a welcoming atmosphere, more customers for businesses, and overall growth in the economy. So there are a lot of positive things going on and we’re in a great spot here.” 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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