The City of Pembroke is moving ahead with plans for a new modular housing manufacturing facility after council agreed in principle to sell about 1.2 acres of municipally owned industrial land in the TransCan Corporate Park.
The project, led by Anhart Affordable Housing Corporation, would establish a non-profit production hub for factory-built housing aimed at supporting affordable housing projects across Pembroke, Renfrew County and the Ottawa Valley.
The proposed facility would include a 6,300-square-foot building and is expected to create between 12 and 16 full-time jobs.
Keith Gordon of Anhart said the project is intended to provide a practical local approach to speeding up housing construction and lowering costs.
“This is not about building a large factory,” Gordon said. “It’s about creating a practical, local solution that allows communities like Pembroke to build housing more quickly and more affordably, using local people and local capacity.”
City officials said the initiative is part of a broader regional effort involving municipalities, non-profit groups and community organizations to address housing shortages and affordability challenges.
Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah said discussions surrounding the project began more than a year ago through local affordable housing advocacy efforts.
He said those discussions eventually led to the creation of Ottawa Valley Affordable Housing Inc., where he serves as vice-chair, and helped connect Anhart with the city’s economic development department.
“Anhart’s decision to locate in Pembroke reflects confidence in the community,” Abdallah said. “I look forward to working with City Council, staff, Ottawa Valley Affordable Housing Inc., nonprofits, developers, and community partners to expand affordable housing solutions across Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley.”
Gordon said Pembroke emerged early as a strong candidate for the facility because of the city’s regional location and support from municipal officials.
“The reception from the City and the broader community has been very positive,” he said. “Pembroke is well positioned as a regional hub, and we’ve been impressed with the professionalism of the Economic Development team and the willingness to move things forward in a practical way.”
In addition to manufacturing modular housing units, the facility is expected to include a demonstration space showcasing modular home designs for municipalities, non-profits and residents interested in affordable housing options.
Construction is expected to begin once final approvals and the land transfer are completed. Production is targeted to begin in 2027.
The project will be financed through a combination of Anhart contributions and conventional financing.
(Steve Berard)
