As the Township continues to grow, with its population expected to reach 51,000 by 2051, the local housing market faces increasing pressure, as demand outpaces supply. The Township recognizes the challenges many residents face in securing housing that meets their diverse needs, particularly when it comes to affordable options. In response to these housing challenges, the Township is actively exploring and introducing ways to increase the supply of affordable housing in our rural communities like Elmira and St. Jacobs, and Breslau, which has seen and will continue to experience significant growth in population.

The policy supports the housing commitments in the Township's Affordable Housing Framework and the Township Official Plan and builds on initiatives undertaken following the Township's 2024 Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) funding. This page offers an early look at the model behind the policy and its moving components.

What it is
The Affordable Housing and Reserve Fund Policy is the Township's policy for increasing affordable housing in the Township. The Policy establishes a new Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, a dedicated fund that collects contributions from a range of sources to be used for affordable housing initiatives in our communities.

How contributions work
The Policy provides multiple voluntary ways for the development community and the broader public to support affordable housing in the Township. Developers may choose to provide affordable rental housing units directly as part of their development, or to make a cash contribution to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. Members of the community, groups, and organizations may also make voluntary cash contributions to the Fund, and contributions may come from other sources, including intergovernmental transfers, donations, and operating surplus. These voluntary contributions give the Township flexibility to grow affordable housing supply in the way that best fits the needs of our growing communities.

How the fund is used
Money in the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund can only be used for initiatives that increase affordable housing supply in the Township, in accordance with the Policy's administration provisions, with annual reporting to Council on the use and status of the Fund. Once sufficient funds have accumulated, the Township will use the Reserve Fund to support various affordable housing initiatives, which may include a development grant program in the future.

Why it matters
Housing affordability is one of the most pressing challenges facing our communities, and many others across Canada. Meeting it takes more than any single action. This Policy is one of the ways we bring the pieces together, and it will continue to grow as we learn and hear new ideas. Developers may contribute voluntary affordable housing units as part of their projects or make a cash contribution to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. Anyone who wants to help, including community members, groups, organizations, and businesses, can also make a voluntary cash contribution to the Fund. Everyone involved plays a part, and together those parts add up to more affordable housing and stronger communities, today and for the long term. As this work moves forward, we welcome new ideas on how our community can keep building on it together.

Action Required
This page will be updated as the policy develops. To stay informed on the Affordable Housing Policy, please subscribe to this page.