Resources for Housing Developers
Creating healthy and inclusive communities requires diverse housing options to meet the evolving needs of residents. Middlesex County, like many others in Ontario and Canada, faces housing challenges due to changing demographics and market trends.
To address this, the County conducted an Attainable Housing Review, aiming to understand the current housing landscape. Recognizing the roles of not-for-profit and private sectors, an Affordable Rental Housing Development Resource Guide Review was developed. While not a comprehensive development guide, it offers a framework, practical insights, and best practices for organizations involved in affordable and attainable housing projects in Middlesex County.
Planning and Development
The first step of a development application is to talk to Planning and Development staff. They can provide information about how to apply, what the process will look like, and help to identify potential issues. They can also assist by providing links to important planning documents such as municipal Official Plans and Zoning By-laws as well as make you aware of local programs that may support housing initiatives including Community Improvement Plans. Contact the Planning Department.
Best Practices
The private sector plays a crucial role in fostering a healthy housing continuum within communities. Traditionally, their responsibilities include developing ownership housing, purpose-built rental housing, and supportive housing. In recent years, for-profit private sector entities have innovatively supported affordable housing systems by contributing to land trusts, establishing charitable arms for development assistance, and leveraging various funding programs for new rental housing.
Community housing providers, operating under not-for-profit models, manage housing programs and assets as outlined in funding agreements. These agreements, specific to each provider, detail reporting requirements and funding provisions. In 2019, the Ontario government introduced the Community Housing Renewal Strategy to stabilize and grow the sector, with new regulations effective from July 1, 2022. These changes aim to streamline frameworks, modernize accountability, and mandate Service Managers to establish access systems for housing assistance.
With operating and mortgage agreements expiring, housing providers have decisions to make about their future. The new regulatory framework guides Service Managers and Community Housing Providers in forming service agreements, ensuring funding provisions support the continuation or expansion/reduction of rent-geared-to-income housing units in each building.
For information on housing options implemented by non-profit organizations, please see the Report on Examination of Best Practices in Housing Roles.
Resources for Housing and Support Service Providers
Social Housing Provider Tools
The City of London Housing Team provides access to a variety of tools and supports as the Service System Manager for Middlesex County.
Who to Contact: @email
Capital Repairs & Improvement Funding
The City of London supports as the Service System Manager for Middlesex County provides funding aimed at bridging some of the social housing funding gaps to help stabilize and grow the social housing sector. The Capital Repairs and Improvement Funding is a contribution of all three levels of government.
Who to Contact: Clyde Almeida at @email or Municipal Housing, Citi Plaza, 2nd Floor, 355 Wellington Street, London, ON N6A 3N7
Resources for the Development of Affordable Housing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Affordable Housing Development Checklist
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Development Resources
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Guide to Developing Affordable Housing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) National Housing Strategy Project Profiles
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) CMHC Housing Market Data