Exploring Inclusionary Zoning to Support Affordable Housing

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Housing in Region of Waterloo - photo Adam Clarke


Affordable housing can be made available in a wide range of housing types and can be provided by the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. Affordable housing can be comprised of subsidized housing or market rate housing, and it can apply to housing that is rented or owned.

The cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge and the Region of Waterloo are looking at new approaches to deliver affordable units in projects that are built by private developers. One tool that can support affordable units within new housing stock is called inclusionary zoning.

Inclusionary zoning allows cities to require private developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units within new, multi-unit housing developments. The tool can be applied to areas around ION stations (called Protected Major Transit Station Areas, see map) where more and denser housing is planned.

To be successful, an inclusionary zoning program needs to strike a balance between the various policy parameters, such as how many affordable units are required and how affordable the units are.

The cities are also exploring ways to ensure that any inclusionary zoning program is financially sustainable and can operate without significant municipal subsidy, though there may be instances where incentives may be needed.

How Does Inclusionary Zoning Work?

Inclusionary zoning allows cities to require private developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units within new, multi-unit housing developments.

The Waterloo region is expected to grow primarily along the ION transit corridor. There’s an opportunity for some of the land value generated through this growth to be directed toward new affordable units.

Because inclusionary zoning programs result in lower revenues for developers through lower rents or sales prices than would otherwise be the case, programs have to be carefully designed to ensure development of new housing continues to be viable to support the dual objectives of increasing housing stock overall as well as securing guaranteed affordable housing.

Other Considerations and Limitations of Inclusionary Zoning

Inclusionary zoning can complement other affordable housing initiatives, such as Region of Waterloo community housing and not-for-profit affordable housing, by providing an ongoing, sustainable supply of affordable housing that is not reliant on federal and provincial government grants. Despite its potential to leverage private investment for affordable housing, inclusionary zoning is subject to a number of regulatory and financial constraints that limit its ability to address the full range of affordable housing needs. These limitations include:

  • Location: Provincial regulations limit inclusionary zoning to Major Transit Station Areas
  • Scale of development: Provincial regulations limit inclusionary zoning to residential developments of 10 units or more
  • Depth of affordability: Research suggests that inclusionary zoning works well for creating units for households with moderate incomes. For example, those that earn too much to be eligible for community (government subsidized) housing, but not enough to afford market rents/prices.

How you can contribute

Before the Region and municipalities proceed with the development of a draft program, they want to gather your feedback on the relative importance of the components that will make up the program. Opportunities to contribute will be posted to this page as they arise.

To get email notifications about this project, subscribe for updates by using the Stay Informed ‘Subscribe’ button.



Affordable housing can be made available in a wide range of housing types and can be provided by the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. Affordable housing can be comprised of subsidized housing or market rate housing, and it can apply to housing that is rented or owned.

The cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge and the Region of Waterloo are looking at new approaches to deliver affordable units in projects that are built by private developers. One tool that can support affordable units within new housing stock is called inclusionary zoning.

Inclusionary zoning allows cities to require private developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units within new, multi-unit housing developments. The tool can be applied to areas around ION stations (called Protected Major Transit Station Areas, see map) where more and denser housing is planned.

To be successful, an inclusionary zoning program needs to strike a balance between the various policy parameters, such as how many affordable units are required and how affordable the units are.

The cities are also exploring ways to ensure that any inclusionary zoning program is financially sustainable and can operate without significant municipal subsidy, though there may be instances where incentives may be needed.

How Does Inclusionary Zoning Work?

Inclusionary zoning allows cities to require private developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units within new, multi-unit housing developments.

The Waterloo region is expected to grow primarily along the ION transit corridor. There’s an opportunity for some of the land value generated through this growth to be directed toward new affordable units.

Because inclusionary zoning programs result in lower revenues for developers through lower rents or sales prices than would otherwise be the case, programs have to be carefully designed to ensure development of new housing continues to be viable to support the dual objectives of increasing housing stock overall as well as securing guaranteed affordable housing.

Other Considerations and Limitations of Inclusionary Zoning

Inclusionary zoning can complement other affordable housing initiatives, such as Region of Waterloo community housing and not-for-profit affordable housing, by providing an ongoing, sustainable supply of affordable housing that is not reliant on federal and provincial government grants. Despite its potential to leverage private investment for affordable housing, inclusionary zoning is subject to a number of regulatory and financial constraints that limit its ability to address the full range of affordable housing needs. These limitations include:

  • Location: Provincial regulations limit inclusionary zoning to Major Transit Station Areas
  • Scale of development: Provincial regulations limit inclusionary zoning to residential developments of 10 units or more
  • Depth of affordability: Research suggests that inclusionary zoning works well for creating units for households with moderate incomes. For example, those that earn too much to be eligible for community (government subsidized) housing, but not enough to afford market rents/prices.

How you can contribute

Before the Region and municipalities proceed with the development of a draft program, they want to gather your feedback on the relative importance of the components that will make up the program. Opportunities to contribute will be posted to this page as they arise.

To get email notifications about this project, subscribe for updates by using the Stay Informed ‘Subscribe’ button.


  • Staff report going to Kitchener City Council Mar. 18

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    Staff are bringing a supplemental report on the Inclusionary Zoning project to Council on Mar. 18, 2024 beginning at 1:30pm.

    The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West. You can also watch live on the day of the meeting by going to kitchener.ca/watchnow

    The meeting agenda and staff report are now available.

  • Public meeting takes place in Kitchener on Jan. 29

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    A public meeting is being held by Kitchener City Council to hear comments about proposed Inclusionary Zoning amendments to the City of Kitchener’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law.

    Date: Monday, January 29, 2024

    Time: To be determined (will be included in the committee agenda, posted 10 days prior to the meeting)

    Location, in-person: Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Kitchener City Hall (200 King Street West)

    Location, virtual: Zoom (link will be in the committee agenda)

    The staff report and proposed amendment will be contained in the agenda, available approximately 10 days prior to the meeting. To see the agenda and report once they are available, visit calendar.kitchener.ca/council

    If you would like to speak at the public meeting, please register in advance at: kitchener.ca/delegations. You may also call the City Clerk’s Office at 519-741-2200

    About Inclusionary Zoning

    Inclusionary zoning would require developers to include up to 5% affordable units within new, multi-unit housing developments. This would apply around ION stations.

    The proposed Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendments would:

    • Apply to all new residential developments in Protected Major Transit Station Areas where 50 or more dwelling units are proposed
    • Starting in 2025, require residential developments to include a minimum of 0-2% of their gross leasable residential floor area (GLA) as affordable units with increases to this minimum increasing to 5% no later than 2031
    • Require that the affordable units be rented, whether located in a condominium or purpose-built rental building
    • Set maximum rents at levels that are affordable to low- and moderate-income households (earning between $43,000 and $65,000 in 2022)
    • Require that affordable units be maintained as affordable for a minimum of 25 years

    We’ll have more to share soon on the timing of Council meetings in Waterloo and Cambridge soon!

  • Send us your thoughts and feedback on the discussion paper

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    We presented our Discussion Paper outlining our draft policy and program directions to Waterloo City Council and Kitchener City Council in June. We will be engaging with Cambridge City Council at a future date. Read the Discussion Paper

    We would appreciate your thoughts and feedback on the directions outlined in our Discussion Paper. The Discussion Paper is long and you may prefer to read the Executive Summary instead. The summary is below and available as a PDF.

    Please share your ideas with us by sending us an email by September 30, 2023.

    The team is available at the following emails:


    Executive Summary

    View as a PDF

    The Cities of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo, in partnership with the Region of Waterloo are exploring Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) as a means to increase the amount of affordable housing near the ION rapid transit stops. IZ is a tool that allows municipalities to require a certain percentage of affordable housing units within new private developments containing 10 or more dwelling units in Major Transit Station Areas (MTSAs). The tool has been implemented successfully in a number of jurisdictions across North America.

    IZ is unique from other affordable housing programs in that it can provide new affordable units over time without reliance on significant government subsidies. It also can help ensure the creation of new affordable units in areas near light rail transit, which can help to counter the impacts of rising land values and gentrification that are typically associated with large transit investments. While IZ can’t address all the region's housing challenges, it can be used to create a sustainable supply of affordable units for moderate income households who are unable to afford market rents. More moderate cost housing can take pressure off the subsidized housing system by providing affordable housing options for those households who have the capacity and desire to leave the subsidized housing system. Used in combination with other tools, such as ongoing government investments in emergency, temporary and subsidized housing, and adopting planning policies and regulations that enable an appropriate housing supply, IZ is a promising tool to support a healthy housing system.

    This discussion paper reviews and recommends policy options for a coordinated, Regional IZ policy and program. Policy recommendations are based on legislative requirements, a review of best practices from other jurisdictions, feedback obtained through public engagement, and modelling of the potential financial impacts on the local housing market. Key recommended policy and implementation directions and rationale are identified below:

    1. Locations: An IZ policy should apply to new residential developments in all 24 MTSAs in Waterloo Region. Policy requirements should be tailored to the market for each MTSA. Rationale: To ensure the program maximizes IZ unit potential in strong markets and signals policy intentions to emerging markets to inform private market land transactions.

    2. Building size: IZ should apply only to buildings with 50 or more residential units (exact threshold to be determined as part of development of draft zoning). Rationale: Focus program on larger developments to avoid potential negative impacts on the financial feasibility of missing middle and medium density housing types, recognizing that these built forms already face significant financial obstacles in MTSAs.

    3. Affordable unit tenure: Affordable units should be provided as rental units within a condominium building (see 10. Administration) , within a purpose-built rental building or offsite. Rationale: Proposed Provincial IZ regulations set limits on minimum affordable rents and prices. While the proposed minimum of 80% Average Market Rent (AMR)[1] is affordable to households in the moderate income range, the proposed minimum of 80% Average Market Resale Price (AMRP) for an affordable ownership IZ unit would be affordable to only those households in the top 20th percentile of the income range. Ownership units within the 80% AMRP bracket are already provided by the market without the need for an IZ policy and associated administration and enforcement.

    4. Set-aside rate: Proportion of units or Gross Floor Area to be affordable should start low and transition slowly upward to a maximum of 5%, in accordance with the local market conditions. MTSAs considered to fall within Prime Market Areas should start at 2% and increase to 5% by 2031; MTSAs within Established Market Areas should start at 1% and increase to 3% by 2031; MTSAs within Emerging Market Areas should start at 0% and increase to 2% by 2031. Rationale: Proposed amendments to O. Reg. 232/18 limit set-aside rate to 5%. A low initial set-aside rate and relatively slow transition to the maximum rate will help avoid market disruption and signal to the market future policy intentions. Financial feasibility modeling suggests that stronger (prime) markets can better absorb the costs associated with an IZ policy compared with weaker (emerging) markets.

    5. Level of Affordability: Affordable rental units in condo buildings should not exceed 100% Average Market Rent. Affordable rental units in purpose-built rental buildings should not exceed the greater of MLI select rent (currently $1,425) or 100% of average market rent. Rationale: A minimum affordability threshold of 100% AMR (proposed for condominiums) falls within the limits proposed by the Province and provides rental units that are affordable to most moderate income households. The proposed affordable rents balance city objectives for greater affordability with financial feasibility for housing providers. The slightly higher proposed affordable rent for purpose-built rental buildings aligns with Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Mortgage Loan Insurance Select program for rental developments. Alignment with this program can help streamline project planning and design, and limit financial impact on purpose-built rentals which are typically more financially challenging to develop than condominium developments. This approach can ensure the provision of some units that are affordable to moderate income households in purpose-built rentals.

    6. Eligible households: Households eligible for the affordable units should be low or moderate income households, having a gross annual income at or below the 60th percentile of regional renter household income range; and with a maximum monthly income at time of occupancy of 3.3 times the IZ unit rent. In 2021, low and moderate income household would have a before tax income of less than $58,900.

    7. Duration that units would be affordable: Affordable units should be maintained as affordable for 25 years. Rationale: Proposed amendments to O.Reg 232/18 limit duration of affordability to 25 years. A shorter term of affordability would limit the positive impact of the program on the affordable housing supply. The implementation program will support options for affordability beyond 25 years where IZ units are owned by the third (non-profit, co-operative and other mission-aligned) sector (see #10).

    8. Incentives: Affordable units provided through IZ are exempt from Development Charges. IZ units (prorated portion) will also be exempted from Community Benefits Charges and Parkland Dedication Charges but these exemptions are not yet in force. The minimum required parking rates for developments within MTSAs should be as low as possible and should range from 0 to no higher than 0.7 spaces/unit where possible, with no parking requirements for IZ units. Additional heights and densities for developments in MTSAs should be considered through comprehensive updates to the planning framework as well as on a site-specific basis, where appropriate. Rationale: The high cost of providing structured parking has a significant impact on the financial feasibility of a development and limits the potential yield of affordable and regular units in areas well served by transit. Reduction in overall residential parking rates, combined with the removal of parking minimums for affordable units would help to offset the cost of providing affordable units and is appropriate given the proximity of the developments to rapid transit and alignment with other city objectives (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and commitments). Increases to development heights and densities concurrent with the introduction of an IZ program can help offset the financial impact of the program, particularly for developers who purchased properties prior to IZ program adoption.

    9. Offsite units: The required affordable units identified through a development application may be provided in a development located on an alternative site, provided that the alternative site is in an MTSA within the same municipality. Rationale: Offsite units are a crucial option to make IZ rental units work for condominium developments. They provide opportunities for creativity, partnerships and cost-sharing to create efficiencies and minimize pro forma impacts of the affordable units, while still achieving the intent of the IZ program to create high quality affordable units in mixed income communities near transit. Opportunities could include developers partnering with non-profit organizations to create offsite units within a non-profit owned building, and locating affordable units within buildings having lower construction costs, or on lower cost sites. The provision of offsite units was a concept that was widely supported by both representatives from the development industry and affordable housing providers as a tool to create affordable units that could be constructed and maintained in a cost-effective manner. This approach can leverage more affordable units, more deeply affordable units, longer affordability periods and opportunities for on-site support as compared to onsite units alone.

    10. Administration and implementation: The Region of Waterloo has expressed an interest in taking a leading role in monitoring, enforcement and waitlist management. The Cities of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo will secure affordable units through the development review process, in accordance with IZ Implementation Guideline Document (to be developed). Should the IZ program require rental as the tenure for affordable units (see item #3), implementation should include pathways for a third sector (non-profit, co-operative or other mission aligned housing provider) to own affordable units created in a condominium building. The Region may be able to assist with financing to support third sector ownership. Rationale: Centralized administration by government or a single mission-aligned, arm's length organization with sufficient operational funds is required to ensure consistent monitoring and enforcement of the program. Enabling third sector ownership and operation of affordable rental units within condo developments will address condominium developers’ concerns about capacity to operate affordable units and will ensure affordability beyond 25 years.

    11. Monitoring and reporting: An IZ program should be reviewed and modified as necessary, every two years to respond to land development economics and changing market conditions. If requirements are too lax during periods of strong development economics, the program will miss opportunities to deliver on affordability outcomes. If it is too demanding in weak economic conditions, it could stifle the development of much needed housing supply, affordable or otherwise. The Partners will report biennially on the IZ program and table potential amendments to these programs to optimize the program and respond to emerging issues and trends.

    Recommended Set-aside Rates

    Market Area and MTSA

    2024-2027

    Set-aside Rate and Date of Occupancy*

    2028-2030

    Set-aside Rate and Date of Occupancy*


    2031+

    Set-aside Rate and Date of Occupancy*


    Prime Market Areas

    • University of Waterloo
    • Laurier - Waterloo Park
    • Central Station
    • Victoria Park/Kitchener City Hall
    • Queen/Fredrick

    2%

    3%

    5%

    Established Market Areas

    • Conestoga
    • Research & Technology Park
    • Waterloo Public Square/ Willis Way
    • Allen
    • Grand River Hospital
    • Kitchener Market
    • Main
    • Downtown Cambridge

    1%

    2%

    3%

    Emerging Market Areas

    • Northfield
    • Borden
    • Mill
    • Block Line
    • Fairway
    • Sportsworld
    • Preston
    • Pinebush
    • Cambridge Centre Mall
    • Can-Amera
    • Delta

    0%

    1%

    2%

    * Set-aside rate applies to total GFA of proposed development


    Recommended Maximum Rents for IZ units

    Unit Type

    Purpose-built Rental Building*

    2022 Maximum Rent for Affordable Rental Unit

    Condominium Building**

    2022 Maximum Rent for Affordable Rental Unit

    Bachelor

    $1,425

    $1,063

    1 bedroom

    $1,425

    $1,240

    2 bedroom

    $1,454

    $1,454

    3+ bedroom

    $1,590

    $1,590

    * Calculated as the greater of 100% AMR or MLI Select definition of affordability (currently $1,425).
    ** Calculated as 100% AMR

    Footnote

    [1] . Average Market Rent (AMR) is calculated yearly by CMHC through their annual rent survey. Average Market Rent (AMR) represents the rents across the entire private rental housing stock and includes older stock and units rented below market due to rent control. Typical new units rents are approximately $700 per month more than AMR.

  • Proposed policy and discussion paper set to go to Kitchener Council on June 19 and Waterloo Council on June 26

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    We have completed our proposed inclusionary zoning policy and program directions discussion paper and will present the findings to the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo Councils.

    • Kitchener City Council will meet on Monday, June 19, at 4:30 p.m. You can watch the meeting live on the day of the meeting by going to kitchener.ca/watchnow.

    • Waterloo City Council will meet on Monday, June 26, at 2:00 p.m. You can watch the meeting live on the day of the meeting on the City’s Youtube channel.

    The discussion paper looks at best practices from other municipalities and feedback from key stakeholders to recommend a framework for inclusionary zoning in the Region of Waterloo. Read the report

  • Inclusionary Zoning report to be presented to Kitchener City Council

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    Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback and ideas on inclusionary zoning.

    We are presenting an update to Kitchener City Council, including a report on the public's feedback. The meeting takes place Monday, March 6 between 2:00-4:30p.m.

    To view the agenda and staff report, please visit the calendar entry for the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee meeting (March 6, 2023).

    You can also watch the meeting live on the day of the meeting by going to kitchener.ca/watchnow

  • Jan. 23 public meeting on inclusionary zoning

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    supporting image

    The Waterloo Region partners want your input on an inclusionary zoning policy. Learn more, ask questions and shape the recommended policy.

    Day: January 23, 2023

    Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

    !! New Location!! : 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo. Rooms 200 and 201

    Please register at: Eventbrite

    The Cities of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge and the Region of Waterloo are exploring a new tool to increase the supply of affordable housing. Inclusionary zoning would allow the Cities to require private developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units within new, multi-unit housing developments along the ION transit corridor.

    The Waterloo Region partners are hosting an engagement and feedback meeting for members of the community who have an interest in this housing affordability tool. The tri-cities are seeking input on an inclusionary zoning policy that could successfully secure new affordable housing while meeting other growth and density goals.

    The meeting will offer an opportunity to learn about how inclusionary zoning works, ask questions of municipal staff, and shape the recommended policy.


  • Answer our survey on inclusionary zoning

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    In 2020-2021, we shared information, gathered feedback from stakeholders, and completed our market impact study. Staff presented the findings of that study to each of the city councils and sought their direction for next steps. Here are the presentations that were given:


    We are now looking for feedback from community members who may benefit from inclusionary zoning policy about:

    • The level of affordability that the policy should target
    • Whether the policy is geared toward new rental dwellings, new condo ownership units or both
    • Whether the City should consider financial and/or planning tools to offset the cost to the private developer of building affordable units, such as density increases
    • Whether the developer should be able to build the affordable units on a different site within the same general area.


    You can share your feedback in a few different ways:


    We’ve also added some related information to this page, including a video and a presentation about affordable housing and inclusionary zoning.


    We encourage you to explore the information available on these pages, watch the video, and take a few minutes to fill out the survey and leave a comment!


Page last updated: 15 Mar 2024, 12:39 PM