City of Waterloo identifies Habitat/BUILD NOW as preferred candidate for the affordable and attainable housing development at 2025 University Ave E
Posted On Monday December 02, 2024
The City of Waterloo took a significant step in providing city-owned lands for affordable housing, as Council voted unanimously to identify Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region/BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region as the preferred proponent to develop the property at 2025 University Avenue East (corner of University Ave East and Millennium Boulevard).
“Selecting a potential partner for this landmark City project is an exciting and momentous step forward,” said Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “A year ago, we received our federal Housing Accelerator Fund grant, and six months ago, we identified this property as a suitable location. We’re thrilled to be at the point of negotiating with a potential development group to bring the site to life.”
In August, the City invited non-profit organizations and consortiums (led by a non-profit organization) to provide expressions of interest for the project. Proponents were encouraged to submit innovative proposals to address the City’s short-term objective of creating affordable and attainable housing quickly, while also supporting the medium- and long-term objectives of long-term housing affordability, creation of vibrant, inclusive, complete communities, and transition to a low carbon future.
The Habitat/BUILD NOW proposal exceeded the City’s minimum requirements on several fronts and was deemed the most favourable, proposing to design and construct 1,010 affordable and attainable housing units and to make these units available to eligible homeowners (ownership units) and non-profit or co-operative housing organizations (rental units). The concept plan proposes an “urban village” comprised of residential and mixed-use buildings, a central road and bike/pedestrian trail, and smaller local roads and pathways connecting residential areas to ground floor commercial/amenity uses, plazas, parks and community gardens.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to move this important development forward," said Philip Mills, CEO of Habitat Waterloo Region. "This has the potential to be the largest Habitat for Humanity led project ever in Canada, impacting more families and building more homes than any Habitat for Humanity led project ever has. And these homes will stay affordable in perpetuity, ensuring people in our community have access to attainable housing for years to come."
“This innovative, thriving community will be a game-changer, providing long-term affordable and attainable housing opportunities for families, individuals, seniors and youth of all socio-economic backgrounds,” said Mayor McCabe. “The Habitat/BUILD NOW group is bringing several exciting community partners to the table. Not only do we have the opportunity to tap into their expertise in providing long-term attainable ownership housing, but their community partners will help ensure that the rental units are maintained as affordable.”
The decision today is another step for the City of Waterloo in addressing the issue of housing in our community and is enabled by the Federal Government Housing Accelerator Fund Grant. This project advances the City of Waterloo Affordable Housing Strategy to increase the supply and mix of affordable housing, and the City’s commitment to our provincial housing pledge of 16,000 units by 2031. Next steps include continuing to work with the provincial Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to secure a decision on the City’s request for an MZO before the end of 2024. Residents can continue to follow this project on Engage Waterloo: www.engagewr.ca/waterloo-haf-initiative-1.
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Media contact:
Cari Van Niekerk
Director, Corporate Communications
cari.vanniekerk@waterloo.ca
