‘I think they’re kind of upset about it’: South London residents express fear, hesitation and openness towards affordable housing projects

CTV London’s Sean Irvine with neighbour reaction to Indwell’s supportive housing plan at the former Bob Hayward YMCA.

Mixed reaction to a new supportive and affordable housing development at the site of the former Bob Hayward YMCA.

On Friday, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario confirmed it had sold the property to Indwell. The developer plans to convert and expand the building into 100 units.

The property is adjacent to a planned development on the site of the former Fairmont Public School, which is now a vacant park-like space.

“It’s a nice green space. There are a lot of times that I find kids out here just playing like kickball and stuff like that, which is really nice to see,” said area resident Kristin Thompson, who walks to work on a path through the site.

Although there are no timelines, the former school site is slated to be turned into apartments and townhomes, including affordable units.

Doris McConnell, a 30-year resident, lives just a street away. She told CTV News she supports both projects, “Well, yes, you have to have more houses. So, it’s got an open field. You have an empty building there. You need to use it.”

However, off camera, many other residents said they are not happy with either plan, with one stating they are considering moving.

Even those in support of the project have reservations.

“The one thing that is very, I think, a fear in this neighbourhood, is bringing down everybody’s housing [prices],” said Thompson.

“They don’t really like that. I think they’re kind of upset about it. But I think we do need it, and it’s a good area for it to be,” said Jennifer Voorn, a 7-year resident.

Last week, city councillor Hadleigh McAllsiter welcomed the developments, but added a stipulation that future affordable housing should be planned city-wide.

Many of his constituents agree.

“They should have more of it all over the city instead of just one area like they have been doing,” said McConnell.

In advance of construction, residents maintain that Hamilton Road must be widened to four lanes in front of the developments.

They also believe that the added residents it will house will warrant another public school in the area.

In 2022, students at Fairmont Public School were merged into multiple schools, but primarily an expanded Tweedsmuir Public School.