It may have qualified as the worst-kept secret in the township over the past year or so but news on new affordable housing units for seniors being built in Cannington has finally been released.

According to a press release from the Durham Non-Profit Housing Corporation, 50 new units should be completed in the village by the end of next year. While a location was not specified in the media release, it is the former Cannington Public School site on McKay Street.

Funding for construction of the units has been provided through the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) initiative supported by the provincial and federal governments.

“One of the best ways to improve the quality of life for residents in Durham Region is to provide safe, affordable housing,” said Dan Carter, board president of the housing corporation.

“We are grateful that IAH funding supports our continuing mission of meeting the housing needs of the Region’s diverse population.”

The organization currently owns and operates 18 affordable housing projects throughout the Region, which are home to more than 1,100 families and individuals.

In addition to the 50 new units in Cannington, construction is well underway on an 18-unit expansion of Gillespie Gardens in Beaverton.

“Having an additional 68 new affordable rental units in Brock Township will go a long way to addressing the housing pressures for seniors in our community,” said Brock Mayor John Grant.