The County of Simcoe is moving ahead with the next phase of a major affordable housing project in Wasaga Beach that could add 155 new homes for seniors and other residents in need of affordable housing.
County council has approved planning approvals, engineering work and detailed design for the proposed Zoo Park Phase 2 Affordable Housing Development, a project that would expand on the existing Simcoe County Housing Corporation development at 175 Zoo Park Rd.
The proposed building would be six storeys tall and contain 155 mixed-income residential units.
Building on existing affordable housing site
The project is planned beside an existing 99-unit affordable housing development already operating at Zoo Park Road.
County officials say the new building is designed to help address local housing needs while increasing the supply of affordable housing across Simcoe County.
The development would also include space for County Social and Community Services and a range of amenities for residents.
Staff will continue reviewing feedback provided by county council, including the possibility of adding additional studio units and enhanced outdoor space designed for residents of all ages.
Next steps before construction
With council approval secured, county staff will now continue planning, engineering and design work needed to bring the project to a permit-ready stage.
Staff will also work with the Town of Wasaga Beach on transferring land to the Simcoe County Housing Corporation, while exploring funding opportunities and potential partnerships to support the project's long-term financial viability.
Construction is still several years away.
Subject to future funding approvals and authorization from county council, building could begin as early as 2028, with residents potentially moving in by 2030.
Part of broader housing strategy
The Zoo Park Phase 2 project is part of the County of Simcoe's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy supporting the goals outlined in Building Up Simcoe County: Our Community Blueprint for Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention.
County leaders say projects like this will play a key role in meeting future housing demand throughout the region.
If completed as planned, the project would bring the total number of affordable housing units at the Zoo Park Road site to 254.
