Plans to build 1,000 units of housing near RIM Park in Waterloo advancing

Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region wants to fill the gap of “missing middle” housing by building 10,000 affordable units.

The organization is collaborating with the City of Waterloo in plans to build 1,000 units of housing at 2025 University Ave. East in Waterloo, a lot that’s been identified as a parcel of municipally-owned land available at low or no cost to private and not-for-profit developers to build affordable housing.

The “BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region” initiative has the goal of delivering attainable housing to individuals, couples, and families with moderate incomes who have been priced out of an unreasonable housing market.

“This is for folks who have historically been able to get into the market and now can’t,” said Philip Mills, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region. “We’ll also ensure that these are owner-occupied. These aren’t going to be bought by investors, they’re not going to be bought and rented out.”

At a council meeting on Monday, the City of Waterloo will consider declaring the lot next to RIM Park surplus, opening the door for Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region to purchase the land and move forwards with their plans to build housing.

“BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region” is still in the early stages of planning, and there are no details yet in terms of what kind of housing will be built or how much the project will cost.

Mills added that the houses will be meant for first-time homebuyers with moderate incomes.