Mill Block Internal Demolition Project

The project's location in downtown rural New Hamburg, in the Region of Waterloo is an important feature of the development. While much of the Region's new affordable and purpose-built rental housing is concentrated within its larger urban centres, smaller and rural communities also face housing affordability pressures and have comparatively fewer rental and affordable housing options. The Mill Block Community will help expand the range of housing choices available within New Hamburg, allowing individuals and households to remain in their community and close to existing family, employment, services and social networks as their housing needs or financial circumstances change.
Providing affordable housing in a rural community is particularly important because housing needs are not limited to large urban centres. Rural and small-town households can face distinct challenges, including limited rental supply, fewer purpose-built rental options, an aging population, and fewer alternatives when existing housing is no longer affordable or appropriate. The project will therefore contribute to a more complete community by creating a range of rental options within an established settlement area rather than requiring residents seeking affordable housing to relocate to larger urban centres.
The site is particularly well positioned for this purpose because it is located in the established downtown core of New Hamburg, rather than on the periphery of the community. The surrounding area includes a mix of residential, commercial, institutional, recreational and community uses. Residents will be able to access many everyday destinations and community amenities within New Hamburg, helping mitigate some of the transportation challenges that can otherwise accompany affordable housing development in rural and small-town settings. The project will also make productive use of existing municipal infrastructure and contribute new residents and activity to the historic downtown.