We are experiencing technical difficulties and some Region of Waterloo online applications are currently unavailable. We are aware of the issue and are working on a resolution.

Building with Purpose

Explore the potential of your land to create more affordable and supportive homes in Waterloo Region. 

Building with Purpose is a free Region of Waterloo program for local non-profit organizations and faith-based groups that own land and want to explore opportunities for affordable or supportive housing. 

If you have land but are unsure where to begin, our team can help you understand your site’s potential, consider early design options and identify practical next steps. 

Ready to explore your options? 
Email the Building with Purpose team at buildingwithpurpose@regionofwaterloo.ca.

About the program

Developing housing can involve complex decisions about planning, financing, design and partnerships. Building with Purpose helps your organization take an informed first step before engaging financing institutions, pursuing planning approvals or working with developers and contractors. 

The program provides early-stage guidance and does not provide funding for affordable or supportive housing development. 

This program may be a good fit if you: 

  • Are a non-profit organization or faith-based group with limited land development experience.

  • Own land in Waterloo Region. 

  • Are interested in developing your land for affordable housing or supportive housing. 

  • Want preliminary information about the development opportunities on your site before making further decisions. 

Each participating organization receives guidance tailored to its site and housing goals. 

Development visioning review 

  • An overview of potential development options for your site, including key opportunities and considerations. 

Preliminary design concepts 

  • Early layout options and building massing concepts that illustrate what may be possible on the site, including a potential number of housing units possible on the site. 

Preliminary development process information 

  • A clear overview of the early steps involved in developing affordable or supportive housing. 

Funding guidance 

  • Information on potential funding sources that may support your future plans. 

Real connections 

  • Help identifying potential partners and organizations to connect with as you move to the next stage. 

Tailored next-steps report 

  • A summary document outlining your organization’s site opportunities, preliminary concepts and recommended next steps.

Take the first step

Building with Purpose can help your organization move from an idea to a clearer path forward. 

To learn more or get started, email buildingwithpurpose@regionofwaterloo.ca. 

Contact Us

Region of Waterloo HQ
150 Frederick St.
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3
Telephone: 519-575-4400
Fax: 519-575-4481

For general inquiries:
Regionalinquiries@regionofwaterloo.ca

Other Main Region Locations

Cambridge Main Office
150 Main St.
Cambridge, ON N1R 6P9

Waterloo Main Office
99 Regina St. S.
Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3

Regional logo

City of Cambridge

City of Kitchener

City of Waterloo

Township of North Dumfries

Township of Wellesley

Township of Wilmot

Township of Woolwich