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Bradford woman wants to build affordable seniors housing on property for mom

‘She actually got to the point where she put in an application at an affordable place in Burlington. It’s the only thing she could find,’ says Jodi Greenstreet
2019-03-20-garden suite
June and Jodi Greenstreet. Jenni Dunning/BradfordToday

With the cost of seniors housing in Bradford West Gwillimbury out of reach, June Greenstreet was considering moving to Burlington, her closest affordable option.

But now the Town of BWG will consider whether to allow her daughter, Jodi Greenstreet, to have a mobile garden suite built on her agricultural property where she can live.

Her application for a temporary use zoning bylaw amendment for a 100-square-metre dwelling at 4136 Line 8 was the subject of a public meeting at BWG council earlier this week.

“Looking at the cost of affordable senior housing in town… We looked at lots of options. She actually got to the point where she put in an application at an affordable place in Burlington. It’s the only thing she could find,” said Jodi Greenstreet.

“How do I care for my mom well? It’s been a bit of a heartache for us over the last couple of years.”

According to the town’s bylaws, a portable garden suite — one-unit, detached residential structure with a bathroom and kitchen — is allowed on agricultural properties, but no more than one home is allowed on any lot.

Since Jodi Greenstreet already lives on the property, the amendment would allow for a second unit for her mother.

BWG council did not make a decision on the amendment at a public meeting Tuesday, but several councillors spoke in favour of it.

“It’s still expensive, but it is a great option,” said Coun. Peter Dykie Jr., citing a similar garden suite built on a property in the area of Barrie and Queen streets years ago.

“It’s $4,000 a month for some of these seniors centres. It (the garden suites idea) keeps the family together.”

Jodi Greenstreet said the application process was “very overwhelming” but town staff was helpful.

“I’ve just been very impressed by your kindness,” she said.


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Jenni Dunning

About the Author: Jenni Dunning

Jenni Dunning is a community editor and reporter who covers news in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
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