Welcome to the 555 Beechwood EngageWR page. The Region is planning for an innovative housing project in this community that will provide affordable homes to individuals and families. Visit this page for updates, information, and virtual opportunities to provide feedback on the project as it moves forward. You can also subscribe to this page and will then receive updates by email.

There is a growing need for affordable housing across our region. In Waterloo, more than 11,000 families with low incomes may find it difficult to obtain safe, adequate, and affordable housing. Of these families, two-thirds spend 30% or more of their household income on shelter, which means they have limited means to meet their other basic needs.

We have an opportunity to make a difference! 555 Beechwood is the first parcel of surplus land owned by the Region of Waterloo being planned for affordable housing. Creating affordable homes is a priority identified by the community and formalized in the 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, the Region of Waterloo Strategic Plan, and the City of Waterloo Strategic Plan.

Our intention is that this project will fit within the current official plan and zoning permissions for 555 Beechwood. The property is designated as Mixed-use Medium Density Residential in the City’s Official Plan. The maximum that the current zoning allows for is a building height 20 metres or six storeys.

As of August 2020 , we plan to seek proposals from the private and non-profit housing sectors for a welcoming and innovative mixed-residential development. To help make this project a success, the Region and the builder will engage the Beechwood community in the design process. We will look to you for feedback on things like green space, green building features and design features and will keep you informed through key steps in the development.

Thanks for your interest, and we look forward to engaging with you in this exciting new development!