Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce says it’s keenly interested in Saugeen Shores intent to make surplus land available for affordable housing.
In a presentation to councillors Monday, Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce Executive Director Greg Fryer said they intend to submit housing development proposals to the Town.
The organization says, on large properties it is prepared to propose a partnership with the Town and a private builder or developer to scale up development.
They say that could involve Town property that’s sold or donated to a developer who is willing to build entry-level, below market housing for rental and ownership with a designated number of lots to Habitat to build homes, or another option would be for
Habitat to purchase a number of units built by the developer at a reduced price for Habitat to sell to qualifying families.
Habitat says the idea is for all ownership units remain affordable in perpetuity, which could be achieved through an ‘option agreement’ registered on title.
Fryer’s presentation says another measure could be to ensure that all units sold must be the principal residence of the purchaser – making it so that no units could be sold to investors.
In the past, Habitat for Humanity has built three units in Saugeen Shores in 2012 and 2015.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau and other council members expressed general support for Habitat for Humanity. Charbonneau noted following the presentation, council would refer the presentation to staff and ask them to engage directly with Habitat, “See what we can do together to advance a Habitat project in Saugeen Shores.”
