CENTRE WELLINGTON – An affordable housing project by Habitat for Humanity Guelph Dufferin Wellington (HFHGDW) in Fergus has already received nearly triple the amount of applicants than units available before it has even been built or properly zoned.
HFHGDW applied to modify zoning on a property at 465 Garafraxa St. W. on the western edge of Fergus. This would facilitate 32 stacked townhomes for residents who qualified for its affordable housing program.
At a statutory public meeting regarding this rezoning held Wednesday evening, HFHGDW CEO Steve Howard said they’ve already received about 90 applications for this project.
“Individuals are income qualified, we have cut offs that are determined by the province of Ontario, it’s called low-income cut offs they’re published annually so we have to adhere to those guidelines for Habitat families,” Howard said. “We support them by second mortgages and interest rate mortgages.”
From there, the units are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and they must commit to 500 hours of volunteer service.
Through a partnership with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp., Howard said this project is getting $50,000 per unit.
Planning consultant Andrew Head said Habitat’s plan for the site is in compliance with all provincial and local planning documents but current zoning does not permit stacked townhouses.
He explained there is a much needed diversity in unit types with 14 four-bedroom units, 14 three-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units.
“This is one of the mixes we need in this community for Habitat for people with bigger families,” Head said. “I really take joy in this part because this is the kind of thing that I get to do for the community to give back a little bit seeing something nice for our community.”
Nearby resident Kathy Baranski was not opposed to this development but brought up concerns around lack of sidewalks and minimal green space for children to play considering there are multiple bedroom units in the development geared towards families.
Head clarified sidewalks are required in the plan but they did have to sacrifice some green space to make the project financially viable for the greater good.
“With the private amenity spaces and green space available, we feel this is enough. We have linkage and sidewalks available to help the community or the pedestrians navigate to the local park as well,” Head said.
Head later clarified a small play structure is not out of the question.
“Typically for that kind of activity we would invite service clubs to join us, in fact we’ve already I think three service clubs offer to participate on the project in one way or another,” Howard said. “Once we’re further down the road, we’ll discuss that.”
Council will make a decision on this zoning request at a later date.
