Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Port Colborne has reached a $4.3 million agreement with the federal government to accelerate construction of 128 homes over the next three years.
“This funding is integral in supporting the City of Port Colborne’s Strategic Plan to increase housing options,โ said Mayor William Steele. โIt will help to move forward much-needed housing projects and partnerships while also contributing to an increase in the overall housing supply by developing new policies to spur future development.”
Canadaโs Housing Accelerator Fund requires action plans from local governments to secure funding. Local governments are encouraged to โthink big and be boldโ in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
Port Colborne’s Action Plan commits to seven local strategies including updates to the official plan and zoning bylaws to encourage the development of more medium- and high-density housing and permitting four units as-of-right city-wide.
The city will also implement an electronic planning application system to accelerate permit and other approvals, explore affordable housing partnerships with various housing providers to expand the region’s affordable housing stock, update policies for infill development and in fdzxd density and diversity within urban areas.
Also, parking requirements will be reduced for new residential and mixed-use developments to encourage higher-density development.
“To solve the housing crisis, we need to build more homes that Canadians can afford โ faster,โ said Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey. โThrough the Housing Accelerator Fund, we’re working with the city to cut red tape, speeding up permits, and increasing density.
โToday’s $4.3 million agreement with the City of Port Colborne will help fast-track 128 homes in the next three years and lay the groundwork for 1,175 homes over the next decade.”