A forthcoming affordable housing complex in Sudbury, Ontario, is preparing to unveil its 38 one-bedroom units next month. Eileen Mahood, head of the Peace Tower Housing Project, revealed that her late spouse, Jeremy Mahood, a prominent Sudbury pastor, envisioned the project coming to fruition. She expressed his joy at the aesthetically pleasing building, emphasizing the commitment to providing residents with a comfortable living space.
Discussing the inception of the idea in 2018, Mahood shared that her husband and Sudbury developer Dario Zulich recognized the pressing need for affordable housing in the area. Zulich generously contributed land for the project near the Sudbury water tower, with a scenic view of the downtown core.
Established in 2022, the non-profit Peace Tower Housing Project secured a total of $12 million in funding from provincial and federal sources to construct the five-story building. Priority for tenancy will be given to individuals on the City of Greater Sudbury’s Housing Registry.
Rent for the units will be capped at $1,244 per month or 80% of the market rate in 2025. Additionally, rent will be income-based, ensuring it remains below 30% of a tenant’s monthly income. While the 38-unit building represents progress, Mahood acknowledged that more affordable housing is needed in Sudbury.
Architect Chris Baziw highlighted the uniqueness of the Peace Tower Project as the first northern Ontario building constructed using cross-laminated timber, a sustainable alternative to steel. Baziw emphasized the efficiency of using this material, noting that the construction of the five-story building was completed in just 12 months. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the potential for rapid construction of similar projects to address Ontario’s housing shortage.