Affordable Housing Strategy

As a Council priority, Haldimand County's Affordable Housing Strategy strives to create a practical, evidence‑based strategy to increase local affordable housing options.

Overview

Haldimand County Council has identified the development of an Affordable Housing Strategy (AHS) as one of its key priorities for the 2022 to 2026 Term of Council. The Strategy will build on previous work, including the 2021 Housing Master plan and the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment, to create a clear, consistent approach to supporting more affordable housing.

Municipal governments play an important role in improving housing affordability. They can use planning tools, financial programs, and partnerships to help increase the supply of affordable homes. The AHS will help define Haldimand County's role by identifying practical, realistic actions the County can take.

The recently completed Housing Needs Assessment (HNA), conducted by Watson & Associates in 2025, shows significant gaps in housing supply and affordability across Haldimand County. It highlights the need for more diverse housing types and improved policies that support affordability, adaptive reuse, and efficient development processes.

What the strategy will focus on

The AHS will be built around 3 main pillars:

Processes and policies

Improving the planning and regulatory environment to make it easier and faster to build affordable housing.

Building our capacity

Strengthening partnerships, supporting the local workforce, and ensuring the County has the tools and resources needed to support affordable housing development.

Growing our supply

Expanding the number of affordable homes through funding tools, land strategies, and targeted incentives.

Timeline and status

Haldimand County has hired Tim Welch Consulting Inc. (TWC Inc.) to support the development of the Affordable Housing Strategy.

The project began in February 2026 and is expected to be completed by September 2026.

Engagement opportunities

Community input is a key part of the project. In the coming months, the County will offer opportunities for residents to share their experiences and ideas related to housing.

These will include:

Public meetings to discuss housing needs and priorities
An online survey to collect feedback from residents

Details will be shared on our website and social media channels once dates are confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

What is an affordable housing strategy?

An Affordable Housing Strategy is a long‑term plan that helps a municipality understand current and future housing needs, identify gaps, and outline actions to improve housing affordability. It guides planning, decision‑making, and investment over the next several years.

Why is Haldimand County creating one?

The Strategy will help the County better understand local housing challenges (such as rising costs, limited rental options, and the need for a wider range of housing types) and create an actionable plan to address them. It will also help set priorities and strengthen partnerships with community groups, developers, service providers, and other levels of government.

What housing issues will the Strategy look at?

The AHS will explore:

Rental affordability and availability
Homeownership challenges
Supportive and transitional housing needs
Attainable housing for middle-income households
Future housing demand and demographic trends
Barriers to housing development

How can residents get involved?

Residents can participate in various public engagement opportunities, including public meetings, workshops, and an online survey. All opportunities will be announced on our website and social media channels.

Contact information

Mike Evers
General Manager, Development Services
Haldimand County
Email Mike Evers

Daniela Grimaldi
Executive Assistant, Development Services and Community Safety and Wellness
Haldimand County
Email Daniela Grimaldi

Anna Lazaris
Senior Housing Policy Consultant
Tim Welch Consulting Inc.
Email Anna Lazaris

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