St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation breaks ground on first project

The following is a news release from the St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation:

The St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation (MDC) has reached a major milestone with construction set to begin on its first housing development, helping deliver more attainable and affordable housing in the city.

The MDC has partnered with Axe Living to build a 30-unit prefabricated rental apartment building on surplus City-owned land at 8 Academy St. Once complete, the development will provide 30 affordable housing units using an eco-friendly, energy-efficient modular construction system that will significantly reduce construction timelines compared to traditional building methods. Today the MDC, joined by representatives from Axe Living and the City of St. Catharines, celebrated the groundbreaking for the project.

“Breaking ground on our first project is an important milestone for the Municipal Development Corporation and demonstrates how we can transform underutilized surplus municipal land into much-needed housing with the right partnerships," said General Manager of the St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation Tim Herbert. "This project is the first of many opportunities to work with partners like Axe Living to deliver quality, attainable housing that our city and region desperately need.”

Incorporated by the City of St. Catharines in June 2024, the St. Catharines Municipal Development Corporation serves as the lead developer for municipally owned real estate assets, working with private and not-for-profit partners to advance residential projects that support the City's housing goals. 

The 8 Academy St. development is the MDC's first project since its establishment and reflects its mandate to increase the supply of attainable and affordable housing in St. Catharines through innovative partnerships and development approaches.

Following demolition of the existing building, Axe Living will begin construction using its patented modular building system. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks the first step in what we expect will be many projects that help expand housing options for residents and strengthen our community for years to come,” said Herbert. “We are excited to continue our momentum and find real, actionable solutions to address the need in the community.”