City of Welland approves affordable and attainable housing project on Crowther Avenue

Welland City Council has approved an affordable and attainable housing development that will create 83 new rental homes on City-owned lands north of Broadway, on both sides of the unopened Crowther Avenue road allowance.

The project is moving forward through a partnership between Bethlehem Housing and Support Services (BHSS) and the Community Land Trust of Niagara (CLTN). It will introduce a mix of deeply affordable, affordable, and attainable rental units supported by on-site services and community amenities.

“This project responds directly to the growing need for safe, stable, and affordable rental housing in our community,” said Grant Munday, director of planning and development services. “These new homes will help individuals and families who are struggling to find suitable housing in today’s market, and they reflect the type of long-term community support that many residents need.”

Through a long-term land lease, BHSS will build 40 deeply affordable one- and two-bedroom units along with a ground-floor community hub. On the west side of the site, the City will sell the land to CLTN for a nominal amount to build 13 affordable and 30 attainable rental homes. An agreement ensures the lands remain dedicated to affordable and attainable housing over the long term. BHSS will also operate and manage the CLTN building.

To help advance the project, Council has approved $403,000 in incentives through the City’s Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP). BHSS and CLTN will seek additional senior-government funding, with construction expected to begin in about one year.

The project aligns with the City’s Housing Needs Assessment and the Affordable Rental Housing CIP and reinforces the City’s commitment to expanding access to housing and improving quality of life for residents.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Orlando
Communications Specialist
905-735-1700 x2133
paul.orlando@welland.ca