The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has finalized an agreement to purchase the former St. Ursula Catholic School property at 426 Lacroix Street in Chatham, securing more than 4.4 acres of centrally located land to support future affordable and attainable housing development.
The property, which will be purchased from the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for $1,699,999, will be funded entirely through the Municipality’s Affordable Housing Reserve using dollars received from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund.
The agreement requires approval from the Board of Trustees for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. A Special Board Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, during which Trustees will vote on the matter.
“This acquisition positions Chatham-Kent to take real, concrete steps toward expanding our supply of affordable housing,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “Having shovel-ready sites is essential as we compete for federal and provincial funding opportunities. This investment allows us to move forward with purpose and urgency.”
The existing school building, which is currently vacant, will be demolished. Administration will issue a tender for demolition and site preparation work, funded from the Affordable Housing Reserve. The Municipality will maintain the property at an estimated $5,000 annually until redevelopment proceeds.
“With over four acres available in a highly accessible location, this site provides a significant opportunity to address local housing needs,” said Ray Harper, Director of Municipal Housing and Property Development. “We’ve already heard strong interest from both non-profit and private housing providers.”
The Municipality will issue a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) seeking proposals to develop the site into new housing that could include:
- Affordable rental units
- Attainable market-rate units
- Mixed-use or community-focused components
- Potential recreational or public spaces
Administration will evaluate submissions and return to Council with recommended options for redevelopment. As redevelopment plans progress, residents will be kept informed through the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent online engagement platform and direct communication with neighbouring property owners.
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Media Contact:
Eric Labadie
Manager, Corporate Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
ericl@chatham-kent.ca
