Niagara's Plan to Build More Homes
To support the housing demand and growth expected in Niagara, we must add 102,700 new housing units by 2051 during a time when the need for housing far exceeds the supply.
The Region's Consolidated Housing Master Plan serves as a guide for the development of new community housing units between 2022 and 2045. It provides various examples of shovel-ready sites that are awaiting co-investment to move forward.
This plan includes unique opportunities to leverage investment in non-profit and co-operative housing, as well as municipal housing. It identifies existing land assets that will support the development of approximately 10,966 new community units.
Serving the Entire Spectrum: Addressing the "Missing Middle"
In addition to our plans to build more affordable community housing, Regional Council recently approved the creation of a special office that has a focused mandate to expedite the construction of diverse housing options across Niagara.
Our Attainable Housing Team will concentrate their efforts on bringing innovative ideas forward that would facilitate and accelerate the construction of more attainable housing options across Niagara, and to help build more homes and address the "missing middle".
Niagara Region is asking senior levels of government for co-investment in long-term capital funding for Niagara's Consolidated Housing Master Plan that will allow us to grow sustainable housing solutions.
Let's work to ensure that Niagara remains a home for all.
Let's grow better, together.
Niagara Week
During Niagara Week 2023, members of Regional Council discussed co-investment opportunities to build more affordable housing units across Niagara with:
- The Premier's Office
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
- Ministry of the Labour, Immigration, Trade and Skills Development
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing expressed an interest in learning more about ongoing affordable housing projects, as well as the Region's Attainable Housing Team.
The Region looks forward to continuing conversations with the Ministry on how our governments can work together to increase the supply of affordable housing across Niagara.
Highlights
Unique co-investment opportunity
The Linhaven long-term care redevelopment project in St. Catharines presents a unique opportunity for co-investment with the non-for-profit sector, Niagara Regional Housing and private developers. This development is estimated to provide 440 housing units.
Once finished, the Linhaven site will provide active green spaces, sustainable parking, planted open spaces and naturalized areas.
Residential and commercial opportunity
The redevelopment of the Gilmore Lodge long-term care home offers the opportunity for private development, including commercial development on the first floor of the residential dwellings. This development is estimated to provide 341 new units
Affordable housing opportunity
The Lions Douglas project in Fort Erie will introduce 62 units of affordable seniors' infill apartments.
An investment of $75,000 - $150,000 per unit will build affordable housing today.
Working together
Niagara has a plan with opportunities to build homes now.
These are just three examples of the many projects awaiting additional partnerships to move forward.
We can get to work building homes today and grow sustainable housing solutions needed for tomorrow.
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