Saugeen Shores has signed a memorandum of understanding with Habitat for Humanity and Wilson Developments to look at building some affordable homes in the community.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) provides a framework to work towards an agreement to build up to 30 townhouse units on town-owned land south of Concession Rd 10. That’s basically behind the plaza that has Guac, Domino’s Pizza, China 8 and other businesses, not far from from Vanderwerf’s Independent Grocer in Port Elgin.
The Town says in a release, up to five of the units would be transferred to Habitat for Humanity to be sold to qualifying applicants through their attainable and affordable homeownership program, and two would be transferred to the municipality to support affordable housing goals.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau says in a statement, “I’m thrilled to see this partnership moving forward,” adding, “Habitat for Humanity’s program brings strength, stability and independence through affordable home-ownership — and that is one of the forms of housing that what we want for members of the Saugeen Shores community.”
The MOU outlines each party’s expected role in a future agreement, with the Town of Saugeen Shores providing the land, water and sewer connections, in-kind support and services, and fee reductions, and Wilson Developments building the homes.
“This opportunity is a result of the Town’s actions to make it easier to build affordable housing,” says Charbonneau, adding, “Council and staff have been working hard to put the right tools into our toolbox to support initiatives like this.”
Councillor Bud Halpin noted at Monday’s regular council meeting, “I know that everyone on this council sitting around this table is concerned about affordable housing. I’ve always believed that the solution to affordable housing would be a made in Saugeen Shores solution and that’s what we’ve come up with here.”
The Town release notes, council approved the Affordable Housing on Town-owned Lands Policy last March and this will be the first time the Policy will be put into action. Beyond this Policy, the Town has made strides to reduce barriers to building by amending the Zoning By-law, establishing a framework to allow financial incentives for affordable developments, and continuing to implement other initiatives, like its partnership with Bruce County to deliver the Housing Allowance Subsidy.