A London mayoral candidate is promising 240 new “truly affordable” rental units if he wins the top job at City Hall.
Khalil Ramal held a news conference at his office on Wednesday, where he outlined plans for a large residential building on Second Street near Fanshawe College.
He claimed the project would be built on a four acre lot and would be completed roughly a year after he takes office. Half of the units in the building would be rented for $700-per-month or less. The rest of the units would be rented at market price.
Magnificent Homes, a company based in London, would be the builder.
“Those kind of projects are important for all of us in the City of London,” Ramal told reporters. “We have 6,000 on the waiting list to get affordable homes. Sometimes the wait takes almost ten years to get a unit.”
Ramal also promised to wok with both non-profit and private sector groups to create more affordable housing, if elected.
“I want to think him for his commitment to build affordable homes,” Ramal said of Magnificent Homes President Omar Srour.
As for the specifics of the project, it has not yet been brought to city hall for approval, but Ramal claims the land is already zoned for this type of dense development.
“It’s a good cause for the community and for London,” said Ramal when asked whether he hopes the project goes ahead whether he’s elected Mayor or not. “I’m committed to work with Magnificent Homes to build this home. If I get elected, it will be easier. I’ll have more say.”
Ramal says submissions to city hall’s planning department would happen immediately after he takes office, if he’s elected on October 24th.
He’s one of ten candidates in a race, which includes Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan.
Morgan is considered a heavy favourite by most political observers.
