Construction is underway on a 150-home development in Huntsville, Ont., that will use mass timber to deliver affordable housing while preserving much of the site’s existing forest.

The Muskoka Community Land Trust (MCLT) broke ground on the Florence Street development on September 24. The 3 ha (7.5 a) project will be built in three phases, using mass-timber floor and wall panels.

Phase One will deliver a four-storey, 47-unit apartment building with 30 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and three three-bedroom units. Eleven units will be barrier-free.

Phase Two will add a four-storey, 60-unit mass-timber building. The final phase will add 43 units in a three- to five-storey mass-timber building.

The development aims to demonstrate a long-term approach to housing affordability in a region facing significant market pressure.

Read the full article here: Mass timber anchors Muskoka affordable housing project