Brampton could get two new Habitat for Humanity affordable housing developments

Habitat for Humanity is asking the city for nearly $1,250,000 in grants to build dozens of new affordable housing units in Brampton.

In a report which was supposed to go to city council on Wednesday, Habitat for Humanity GTA outlined plans for two affordable housing developments in the city – one at 25 William St. and another at 1524 Countryside Dr.

The two stacked townhouse developments could add a combined 27 housing units to the city’s affordable housing stock, and are slated to begin construction this summer.

With rising costs, Habitat for Humanity is asking the city to provide some $1,249,185 to cover costs like development charges, building permit fees and planning and application fees.

If the request is approved, staff say the grant could be paid using funding from reserves and an internal loan which would require an annual repayment of approximately $122,550 in the 2023 budget – meaning there could be a tax levy of some 0.03 per cent added to the city’s portion of the tax bill.

The city could authorize a grant and waive fees due to Habitat for Humanity’s not-for-profit status and becasue the project goals align with the city’s affordable housing objectives.

All other costs levied by the Region of Peel and the School Boards would still apply, unless Habitat for Humanity is granted relief from those individual bodies.

Council was set to receive the updated report and request on Wednesday, but was put on hold when Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and four councillors skipped the regular meeting of council.

All business on Wednesday’s agenda will be moved to the next available council meeting – either a regular meeting or special meeting, should one be scheduled.

Habitat for Humanity helps lower and modest income families move into housing and build stability through affordable homeownership.

Clients pay an affordable mortgage geared to their income, and are required to volunteer 500 hours of their time.

Last year alone, Habitat for Humanity GTA helped 23 families move into Habitat homes