Woolwich Township Leverages Housing Accelerator Fund to Secure Strategic Properties for Future Development

Woolwich, ON – In a significant step towards addressing the growing need for housing, the Township of Woolwich has purchased land at 22 Church Street West and 6 Maple Street in Elmira. The land will be transformed into a mixed-use development through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which will invite qualified developers to submit their plans for revitalizing the area.

“This is an important milestone for the Township of Woolwich as we work to address the housing crisis in our community and prepare for future growth,” said Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz. “In partnership with the Federal Government, through the Housing Accelerator Fund, I am proud to be taking a positive step forward in identifying opportunities to create more housing that will benefit our community for generations to come.”

The purchase of these two properties was made possible with the funding Woolwich received through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) stream from the Federal Government. In February of 2024 the Township was approved for funding in the amount of $6,724,742.20 over a three-year period. This funding supports ten targeted initiatives intended to address specific local housing needs, while reducing barriers to development, streamlining the approval process, and fostering partnerships with community housing developers to accelerate the timely creation of housing, including missing middle and affordable units.

“It’s going to take all levels of government working together to build the homes we need,” said Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga Tim Louis. “Today’s land purchase in Elmira is an exciting step forward, and one that will lead to new homes for people in our community. By working together with the Township of Woolwich, we’re making real progress to ensure more families have a safe and affordable place to live."

In addition to the creation of new homes, the Township also plans to establish a vibrant new public square, featuring green space on either side of Maple Street. Together, the new mixed-use development and public square will foster a sense of community, enhancing the overall livability of the area.

Using the Elmira Core Urban Design Study as a framework to address underutilized township lands, the Township has been actively working to identify key sites best positioned for redevelopment. This framework provides a glimpse into the changes that could shape Elmira’s downtown through public and private initiatives.

Woolwich Township is one of the fastest-growing municipalities within the Region of Waterloo with our population expected to grow from 27,000 to 51,000 by 2050. This partnership provides an opportunity to leverage Township land to deliver a range of housing options that are accessible, sustainable, and economically feasible for residents, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live a vibrant, fulfilling life.

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Media contacts:

Rae Ann Bauman, Corporate Communications
Phone: 519-669-6021
Email: communications@woolwich.ca