Surplus lands
How are surplus lands identified?
In 2021, the Region of Waterloo established the Building Better Futures initiative, which sets a clear target for the Region to work alongside federal, provincial, non-profit and private sector partners towards the creation of 3,500 new affordable homes across the Region. The strategy includes identifying vacant or surplus Regional lands for the purposes of developing affordable housing. If a property is no longer required for its original purpose, the Region of Waterloo can declare the land surplus, to consider other uses for the land that will achieve broader community objectives.
How are projects for surplus lands selected?
When properties have been declared legal surplus by Council, ownership is maintained by the Region and the land is leased for a specified term. Private and non-profit developers are invited to submit proposals for the development of affordable housing units through a public Request for Proposal (RFP) process. A selection committee evaluates the submissions based on an established evaluation framework.
To help ensure the projects are successful and responsive to neighbourhood needs, the Region and the selected builder/developer engage the community in the design process. Opportunities for community input are collected through information sessions, neighbourhood meetings, surveys, etc.
Examples of properties that have been declared legal surplus by Council for the purposes of affordable housing projects include 30 Lauris Avenue, Cambridge and 555 Beechwood, Waterloo.
