Ontario Construction News staff writer
Windsor has achieved 924 housing starts, or 85 per cent of the province’s annual target of 1,083. Officials expect the city to qualify for funding through the provincial Building Faster Fund, aimed at municipalities that meet or exceed 80 per cent of housing goals.
“Our near achievement of the 2024 housing target by mid-August reflects Windsor’s proactive approach to housing development,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “We are dedicated to Building Windsor’s Future and meeting our diverse housing needs through sensible solutions.”
The Housing Solutions Made for Windsor plan includes opening municipal lands for development, implementing a vacant home tax to increase housing availability, and amending the official plan to focus growth along major routes and transit corridors.
Also, Windsor’s building and planning departments have introduced a specialized development application coordinator team, which has streamlined permit processing and reduced backlogs. A new streamline development approval fund has modernized technology and review policies supporting housing intensification.
“The progress made aligns with our goal of reaching Windsor’s 13,000-unit housing target,” said Councillor Morrison. “Diverse housing options and densification are key to our city’s future.”
The average application processing time in Windsor has dropped to less than six months. As of August 2024, the city has approved or is reviewing permits for an additional 2,582 residential units.
Piroli Group Developments is contributing to Windsor’s housing goals through projects like Viridian Place—a 136-unit rental apartment complex set to open in fall 2025. This development will include affordable housing options and amenities such as a saltwater pool and fitness center.
“We are grateful for the City’s efforts in streamlining the approval process. Our collaboration supports the provincial mandate to expand housing availability, and we are proud to contribute with projects like Viridian Place,” said Piroli president Rob Piroli