$5M in funding needed to save dozens of planned affordable housing units in Brampton

Plans for two affordable housing developments that could add housing for dozens of low-income families and renters in Brampton are at risk of hitting the scrap heap without a $5 million funding boost from the city.

Habitat for Humanity made a case to Brampton City Council on Wednesday (Oct. 18) to save planned housing projects located at 25 William Street and 1425 Countryside Drive in Brampton, saying they are facing an “unprecedented” rise in construction costs..

The non-profit has asked the city for some $5,000,000 to help bring the projects to life, which would bring 27 affordable housing units to Brampton and add generational housing supply as the charity buys back homes when Habitat for Humanity homeowners are ready to enter the market.

The charity says one of the biggest hurdles to building new Habitat for Humanity projects is the cost of land, and the charity can only afford to build if the land is made available for free. And while the land has already been secured for the two planned Brampton projects, rising construction costs and slowdowns related due to the COVID-19 pandemic have left the charity in need of financial help.

With many applicants already approved for the William Street development, Habitat for Humanity says it is at risk of having to scrap the project and leave residents in dire straits without help from the city.

Many were approved in early 2019 with an anticipated move-in date in 2020, which was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If completed, the units at 25 William Street would be either three- or four-bedroom, two-bathroom suites with between 1,380 and 1,530 square feet of living space.

A report to Peel Regional council in May showed that affordable housing has been unable to keep up with increases in demand and homelessness support over the last decade, with some $50 billion needed over the decade to meet 100 per cent of core housing needs.

And with shelter use up over 25 per cent earlier this year, Regional Council has also called on the province to increase the supply of affordable housing in both Mississauga and Brampton.

On top of the $5 million ask to complete the two Brampton projects, Habitat for Humanity is also looking for confirmation that the city will waive some $2.7 million in development charges.

With the city in the grips of a housing crisis, council has instructed city staff to work with the charity and report back on whether the Habitat for Humanity projects can get a funding boost from the city.

For more information on the 25 Williams Street development and Habitat for Humanity visit www.habitatgta.ca.