Help Shape Waterloo's $23.4M Housing Action Plan

Official title: City of Waterloo Housing Accelerator Fund Actions

Open Community Planning Finance & Consumer Housing & Communities
Waterloo received $23.4 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to build 675 new homes in three years. The city is rolling out nine initiatives—from converting employment lands to housing, to helping homeowners build basement suites. Most initiatives are already launched and seeking public input.

Why This Matters

Looking for a place to rent or buy in Waterloo? This plan aims to speed up housing construction and create more affordable options. Homeowners could get help building basement suites. If you live near a church or employment area, your neighbourhood could see new housing.

What Could Change

City-owned lands could be developed for affordable housing. Employment zones may allow residential buildings. Churches could add apartment buildings on their properties. Parking requirements for new developments may be reduced. A new online portal would speed up building permits.

Key Issues

  • Which city-owned lands should be used for affordable housing?
  • Should employment lands be converted to allow residential development?
  • How can the city help homeowners build additional residential units?
  • Should parking requirements be reduced for new developments?
  • Should places of worship be allowed to add housing on their properties?

How to Participate

  1. Explore the nine initiatives and provide feedback on each one. Start with the Municipal Lands Program or browse all initiatives on this consultation page.
  2. Click +Follow at the top of the page to receive updates on the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan.