Should Developers Be Required to Include Affordable Units Near Transit Stations?
Official title: Exploring Inclusionary Zoning to Support Affordable Housing
Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge are exploring inclusionary zoning—a tool that would require developers to include affordable units in new housing projects near ION transit stations. The cities want your input on how to balance affordability requirements with keeping development financially viable.
Why This Matters
Struggling to find affordable rent in Waterloo Region? This could create new affordable units in buildings near transit—without relying on government subsidies. If you earn too much for subsidized housing but can't afford market rents, this targets you specifically.
What Could Change
New multi-unit developments of 10+ units near ION stations could be required to include a percentage of affordable units. The cities are working on Official Plan and Zoning By-Law amendments to implement this. Developers may receive incentives to offset lower revenues from affordable units.
Key Issues
- What percentage of affordable units should be required in new developments?
- How affordable should the required units be?
- How can the program be financially sustainable without significant municipal subsidies?
- What incentives might developers need to make inclusionary zoning work?
How to Participate
- Review the Policy and Program Directions Discussion Paper to understand the proposed approach.
- Follow the consultation page to receive email updates when new feedback opportunities are posted.
Key Documents
- Policy and Program Directions Discussion Paper (June 2023) (opens in new tab)
- Executive Summary - Policy and Program Directions Discussion Paper (opens in new tab)
- 2025 Residential Market Update (opens in new tab)
- Evaluation of Potential Impacts of an Affordable Housing Inclusionary Zoning Policy (opens in new tab)
- Draft Implementation Guidelines (opens in new tab)