Representatives from the County of Brant and City of Brantford gathered to celebrate the opening of a new affordable housing development in Paris on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
The four-storey building, located at 174 Trillium Way, comes as a result of the Mayors’ Housing Partnerships Task Force Affordable Housing Action Plan, a joint initiative between the City of Brantford and the County of Brant to address the urgent need for affordable housing within the region.
“I’m honoured to be here today as we celebrate the addition of 49 new affordable [one- and two-bedroom] housing units, homes that will provide singles, couples, small families and seniors with the safety, stability and dignity that everyone in our community deserves,” said Maria Visocchi, Brantford’s Director of Communications, Community Engagement and Customer Service.
Currently, there are 1,100 households on the centralized housing waitlist, over 65 per cent of whom are seeking one or two-bedroom units.
Developed in partnership with Brantford Native Housing, Nova Vita, and Sensity, and built by VERLY Construction Group, 174 Trillium Way is net-zero energy ready, and designed for optimal efficiency and long-term sustainability.
David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant, said he was grateful to everyone who played a role in bringing the project to life.
“This marks a meaningful step forward in expanding access to affordable housing, something we know is urgently needed in our communities,” he said. “Access to safe and secure housing is something that everyone deserves. We extend our sincere thanks to the City of Brantford for its continued support of social services for County residents.”
City Councillor Mandy Samwell, said that she was happy for the building’s new tenants, and that the project is just one example of what’s possible when everyone works together.
“These 49 units, including barrier-free homes, mean more people in our communities will have a safe, affordable place to live,” she said. “This is progress, but it also reminds us that there’s still work to be done. Continuing to grow our housing options will take all of us, municipalities, other levels of government, community partners and voters, pulling in the same direction. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and today proves what we can build when we work together. I’m excited for the tenants that will be living here, and I look forward to what comes next.”
As far as the residents, the building is already helping to change lives. One tenant shared that before moving in, their rent consumed nearly all their fixed income, leaving little for food or medical needs.
“It’s a huge relief to finally have a safe, affordable home where I can be close to my family and plan for the future,” they said.
Gord, another tenant in the new building, said that on top of serious health issues and the loss of a loved one, high rent and utility costs had left him “hardly getting by,” but that being accepted into 174 Trillium way has allowed him to reconnect with his family and has given him a peace of mind knowing that his accessibility and health needs are now met.
“I have a fresh start in life and a new lease on life as they say,” he said. “After I got my keys, I took a moment by myself to soak it all in. It is what I needed, and it all just kind of hit me then.”
Mary Musson, Brantford’s Commissioner of Community Services and Social Development, said that hearing such statements and stories from the residents is a reminder that the project is more than just a building, it’s a place to call home.
“These are homes where people can heal, rebuild and also thrive. To the new residents of 174 Trillium Way, welcome home. This is your community now, and may these walls see laughter, friendship and a sense of belonging,” she said. “May this building be a stepping stone for those starting anew and a safe harbour for those seeking stability. Today, as we cut the ribbon, officially celebrating the opening of 174 Trillium Way, we are doing more than opening a door. We are affirming our shared belief that housing is a human right, and when we invest in homes, we invest in healthier, stronger and more connected communities.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
