Region of Waterloo launches request-for-proposal process for development partner in mixed-income housing project at 30 Lauris Avenue, Cambridge

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is launching a request-for-proposal (RFP) for a development partner to lead a mixed-income housing project at 30 Lauris Avenue in Cambridge. 

The project is part of the Building Better Futures Initiative, a Regional strategy to accelerate the development of affordable homes across Waterloo Region over a five-year period.

The development partner will lead the design, build and management of the property, while the Region maintains ownership through a long-term land lease. The property is located off Franklin Boulevard, with a 10-minute walk to shops, restaurants, schools and daily services).

Affordable housing is the top priority for the project, with 30 per cent of the units at or below market rent. Other considerations for the project include creating space for a child care provider, increasing access to quality, inclusive child care spaces.

“We continue to look at every possible mechanism to create homes for everyone in our community,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “Using Regionally-owned lands to increase the number of affordable homes in our community is an important part of our Building Better Futures strategy.”

30 Lauris Avenue is one of four Regionally-owned properties declared surplus in 2021, with the intention to increase affordable housing across Waterloo Region. Since that time, the Region of Waterloo has completed community profiles for each surplus site, conducted background work to prepare the land for development and established criteria for development partner selection.

The Request-for-Proposal (RFP) will close on November 15, 2024. A selection committee of Regional staff from Planning, Housing and Procurement will evaluate the submissions based on an established evaluation framework. More information can be found at: https://www.engagewr.ca/lauris.

About Building Better Futures

Building Better Futures: 2,500 Homes in 5 Years, is the Region of Waterloo’s affordable housing strategy. The strategy aims to develop up to 2,500 new homes by the end of 2025, increasing affordable housing generated from an average of 50 homes per year to 500 homes per year. Currently at 2,350 new homes in development, the Region of Waterloo is committed to making housing affordable for all because we believe communities thrive when everyone has a place to call home. With the need for affordable housing growing, the Region is dedicated to increasing the number of affordable homes. The plan includes the use of lands, funding and resources, community engagement, and cross departmental staff support to increase the development of affordable homes.

About the Region of Waterloo

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, situated in Southern Ontario, is a diverse and thriving community that encompasses the cities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, along with the townships of Woolwich, Wilmot, Wellesley, and North Dumfries. The Region of Waterloo provides a range of programs and services that touch the lives of residents every day, with a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. The Region is dedicated to building a resilient and vibrant community for all. For more information, visit regionofwaterloo.ca.

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