Gander seeks to build 120 affordable homes

Gander is looking to boost its population and ease a housing shortage with an entire new neighbourhood of affordable homes.

The town is posting a request for proposals (RFP) to build upwards of 120 lots, said Coun. Rob Anstey.

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The hope is for the homes to sell for around $180,000 each.

"Usually a town will go with an RFP and say, 'We've got a chunk of land. Who wants to give us the most money?' This is going to be different," Anstey said.

The process began a couple of years ago when the town had trouble attracting new businesses because of a struggling labour force. Gander's youth were not staying in the community, and there were not enough workers to staff new ventures.

People couldn't afford to live in Gander, and if they could, they couldn't find a place to live.   - Coun. Rob Anstey

"That came from the housing shortage," Anstey said. "People couldn't afford to live in Gander, and if they could, they couldn't find a place to live."

A new development could meet the needs of younger buyers, looking for a starter home. 

"It's basically for younger people, or maybe even seniors, who would like to have a home of their own instead of renting," Anstey said. "We're trying to give those people a kick in the right direction and give them a chance to get a start for a new home."

Location chosen

The town has earmarked the land behind Carr Crescent, reaching west to Little Cobb's Pond. A rough sketch has one main road with five or six additional roads branching outwards.

There would also be a push to mandate the housing as affordable, meaning a home couldn't be purchased for a set price and then resold immediately for a higher price tag.

"We can put in a stipulation on how much money you can make before you can buy these houses," Anstey said. "We really want these to be affordable housing. We don't want these to be built and then be sold two weeks later for who knows how much."

There is also the issue of the town's sewer system, which Anstey said is "up to the max." He said the town is confident it will get word from the federal and provincial governments on upgrades to the system within the next two weeks.

Any accepted proposal wouldn't break ground until next year, with completion expected in five years.