Region approves building housing over parking lots, vacant properties

Affordable housing could be coming to Waterloo Region in a new way.

Regional council approved a motion tabled by Councillor Pam Wolf Wednesday night to look into which region-owned properties could be suitable for development. Parking lots, vacant properties, and buildings that could be redeveloped will all be considered. Staff will also “report back on possible locations and project concepts, including potential partners.”

“I would like to thank staff for helping me toward this motion, so that it did not stop simply with parking lots, of which the region has a limited number,” said Wolf. “Waterloo Region is noted for being innovative and I think it is appropriate that we examine creative ideas to meet our housing goals.”

Wolf references parking lots because the conversation surrounding using government-owned land for housing began in Decemberwhen Cambridge Councillor Scott Hamilton tabled a similar motion, though it was defeated 5-4. Hamilton attended council chambers Wednesday as a delegate.

“The scope of the crisis calls for innovative and bold solutions,” said Hamilton, who represents Ward 7 in Cambridge. “This is an old problem, it’s an old crisis. The only way we’re going to get out if it is by thinking and acting in new ways. Old paths will not take us to new places.”

Hamilton added that density and intensification is crucial for revitalizing each municipality’s core, and if that’s possible while increasing housing supply, the idea brings a tremendous benefit. In addition, the public would retain the asset since the housing is on region-owned land, instead of owned by a private developer.

Regional Councillor Doug Craig also addressed the elephant in the room.

“I have some disappointment in the beginning of all this process at Cambridge Council, but here we are today to set a new standard in terms of who we are as a regional community.”

The City of Kitchener approved a similar motion Monday.