A major affordable housing project in Stratford is nearly shovel-ready after the approval of a $6.8-million construction contract Monday afternoon.

Politicians awarded the contract for Phase 2 of the Britannia Street affordable housing project to Nith Valley Construction during a brief special meeting of council streamed live on Facebook. The New Hamburg-based firm submitted the lowest bid after prequalifying for the tender process with six other competitors in August, according to a staff report. 

Two-dozen contractors were considered in total.

Monday’s decision pushes forward the Britannia Street project’s second phase after it was first approved by city council in November 2020. Phase 2’s total cost is $9,727,500, including a more than $3-million bump councillors approved earlier this year.

Those extra funds will allow the new 27-unit three-storey building to feature more amenities and a more energy efficient design, including renewable energy sources capable of offsetting the costs of heating and hydro for residents. The building could also include a charging station for electric vehicles, a feature Coun. Bonnie Henderson asked about on Monday. 

“We will look at the price to put a conduit in now and to see what the cost would be in regards to that for future planning,” said Kim McElroy, the city’s social services director.

City staff is still considering the affordability of other amenities recommended by tenants who moved in following construction of the building’s first phase in 2019.

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