Dunnville’s Ramsey Drive site to include housing, childcare centre
DUNNVILLE—A long-anticipated affordable housing project broke ground in Dunnville last week, bringing together municipal leaders, builders, and advocates who have spent years pushing for meaningful change.
The development will bring 56 new residential units to the community, along with a provincially funded childcare centre operated by YWCA Hamilton. Located on Ramsey Drive, the building will also feature a tenant amenity space, support services, and 20% barrier-free units for individuals with disabilities.
Construction is expected to continue through 2025 and 2026, with a projected completion date in early 2027.
Matt Bowen, CEO of the Haldimand-Norfolk Housing Corporation (HNHC), called the July 23, 2025 event a “significant milestone” after years of planning and advocacy.
“This development will make a lasting difference in the lives of families in Dunnville and across both counties,” said Bowen. “We’ve been working diligently with Council, our partners, and all levels of government to realize where we are here today.”
—Haldimand Press photo by Nick Fearns.
First planned as a 35-unit build, it grew to 56 units after YWCA Hamilton joined, bringing childcare funding and opening the door for additional housing.
Bowen said there will be a mix of bachelor, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, with a blend of rent-geared-to-income, affordable, and market-rate rents to support a range of residents.
Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley praised the project as “the building of heart” and thanked Bowen and his team for their persistence.
“This groundbreaking today is more than a ceremonial milestone. It’s a symbol of what can be achieved when partners and agencies come together with a shared goal and unified vision,” said Bentley. “We are laying the foundation – both literally and figuratively – for a better, more inclusive future for Haldimand County.”
Bentley highlighted the inclusion of transitional housing units for survivors of gender-based violence – a first of its kind in Haldimand County according to Haldimand & Norfolk Women’s Services.
Bentley also expressed gratitude for the support of upper levels of government in moving the project forward. She noted a recent Building Faster Fund grant from the Province, which will support future infrastructure upgrades to further increase local housing supply as well (see this story on Page 4).
Sarah Page, General Manager of Health and Social Services for Norfolk County, described the Ramsey Drive initiative as “about partnerships and perseverance.”
She noted that the site will not only offer housing and childcare, but also a place of stability and support for families.
“We stand here today at the beginning of making our dream come true,” said Page.
Bobbi Ann Brady, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk, echoed those sentiments.
“We are not just turning soil here – we are laying the foundation for something much deeper,” said Brady. “This project represents action, compassion, and community, not only by the Haldimand-Norfolk Housing Corporation, but by all three levels of government.”
Bernie Corbett, HNHC Director and former Haldimand politician, acknowledged the years of delays and challenges.
“The project has had more turns and twists, ups and downs than a roller coaster,” said Corbett. “Throughout, it has been a collaborative effort supported by Mayor Bentley, Council, and staff.”
Corbett credited the County’s commitment to the project, including providing land at no cost, waiving fees, and earmarking 1% of tax revenue to support affordable housing.
“Now we’re prepared to provide a mix of housing opportunities … along with some social services advantages,” he said.
The design of the building has been led by dpai architecture. Principal David Premi said the project’s collaborative spirit made it unique.
“When parties are collaborating around shared values, that’s when the magic happens,” said Premi. “We’ve been able to design a place that not only provides desperately needed housing but also encourages connection.”
YWCA Hamilton will operate the childcare centre, offering 10 infant, 15 toddler, and 16 preschool spaces. CEO Medora Uppal called the project “a powerful example of what can happen when non-profits and all levels of government come together.”
She noted that childcare is “just as important as roads and schools” in supporting economic stability and gender equity.
Bob Butella, CEO of Community Living Haldimand, welcomed the opportunity to partner on units for people with developmental disabilities.
“This project will give opportunities for people supported by CLH to have a safe, comfortable, and affordable home – something that everyone should have access to,” said Butella.
Several speakers acknowledged the project’s potential to improve quality of life in the region. Brady said, “When people can afford to live where they work, where they volunteer, where they go to school and raise their families, small towns continue to thrive.”
The development is expected to reduce the regional housing waitlist, which currently sits at 437.
The County’s commitment to affordable housing was reaffirmed throughout the event.
“Affordable housing has been a priority in Haldimand County for some years,” said Corbett. “Now, I look forward to the ribbon cutting.”
