Meaford council passed a motion that will initiate a request for interest (RFI) bid solicitation for a pair of properties that the municipality deems suitable for tiny home developments.
Tiny homes are defined as small, four-season, self-contained dwellings built to Ontario Building Code standards and connected to municipal services. While not less expensive per square foot, they can improve housing attainability through reduced size and provide greater housing diversity.
“I certainly can confirm that there is a great deal of interest from our residents in seeing this project move forward,” says Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney. “I’ve heard from people of all ages that they feel this is a really good project for Meaford.”
The two properties, on Ridge Road and Susan Street, have been identified for further consideration.
While the motion passed, it was also amended by Coun. Brandon Forder and Coun. Eric Ennis to include the wording “and/or cost-efficient housing options” to ensure the land is used in the best interest of the public.
“I would be open to receiving any and all suggestions from developers on how they could provide their best affordable housing option,” says Forder.
Both the amendment and the main motion passed unanimously.