Burlington Affordable Housing Project Waits on $21M Federal Decision

Three city-owned lots on Waterdown Road, just north of Plains Road, are cleared for a building of five to 11 storeys holding 77 affordable apartments with support staff on site. The zoning is approved and the regional money is committed. What the project does not have is an answer from Ottawa.

Indwell, the affordable housing charity behind the plan, has asked the federal agency Build Canada Homes for roughly $21 million, about half the cost of construction. The request went in as part of a portfolio application covering several of the charity's supportive housing projects across southern and southwestern Ontario. On August 5 the agency announced $310 million for nine projects, and all nine were in Toronto. Burlington's was not among them.

Indwell says it has no estimated timeline for a response. A spokesperson for the federal department said Build Canada Homes will release details on specific investments case by case, as agreements are finalized with partners.

What is in place, and what is not

Halton Region committed nearly $13.5 million in June, and regional council has determined the non-profit development qualifies for an exemption from development charges. Still open: a 55-year lease with the city for the land at 1022, 1028 and 1030 Waterdown Rd., provincial operating money from the Ministry of Health to cover staffing and tenant support programs, and about $1.5 million Indwell plans to raise locally. City staff said the two sides continue to work through the lease details.

The site plan application went in on July 24 and is circulating for agency and departmental review. No building permit application had been submitted as of August 6. Indwell is aiming for a permit by the end of this year and construction starting in 2027.