Proposed Motion:
Whereas Brampton’s housing strategy, Housing Brampton, identifies the need to increase the supply of affordable and purpose-built rental housing across the city;
Whereas Housing Brampton outlines six guiding principles, including collaboration with the non-profit sector, and Niwaas Living, a Brampton-based non-profit organization, exemplifies this principle through its commitment to delivering community-focused housing solutions;
Whereas the City has committed to a Housing Pledge to support the creation of 113,000 new housing units by 2031;
Whereas there is a shortage of purpose-built rental housing in Brampton, and affordable rental units play a crucial role in ensuring a diverse and accessible housing supply for residents;
Whereas on August 12, 2024, Niwaas Living delegated to the Planning and Development Committee, seeking collaboration with the City on both of their projects, leading Council to direct staff to explore opportunities for municipal support;
Whereas City staff have reviewed the Niwaas Affordable Rental Project in ward 3 under the Council-endorsed Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for affordable housing;
Whereas the project will deliver 90 purpose-built family rental units along the newly announced Hazel McCallion LRT extension, aligning with Council’s vision for transit-oriented development;
Whereas Niwaas Living has a proven track record in delivering community-based projects, including a 160-bed long-term care facility at 380 Fernforest Drive, which has received provincial and municipal funding and remains on time and on budget;
Whereas 40 of the 90 family rental units meet the affordability criteria established under the Council-endorsed CIP, and the development will incorporate geothermal technology to achieve key sustainability metrics;
Whereas the project qualifies for $10,800,000 in funding under the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for affordable housing; and
Whereas the Niwaas Affordable Rental Project has reached key development milestones and is close to shovel-ready, with construction expected to begin within 30 days, pending financing;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved:
1. That the Commissioner of Planning, Building and Growth Management, City Solicitor, and Treasurer be delegated the authority to enter into and execute a contribution agreement for Niwaas’ Affordable Rental Project, totaling approximately $10,800,000;
2. That a new capital project be established for Niwaas Affordable Rental – in ward 3 to construct 40 affordable housing rental units, in the amount of $10,800,000, to be funded through the Building Faster Fund and Housing Accelerator Fund, along with identified return of capital; and
3. That the Treasurer be authorized to transfer funding from reserves and close identified capital projects to fund the new capital project.