The Township of Lake of Bays is moving forward with a proposal from Habitat for Humanity Gateway North for the development of affordable housing on an estimated 1,618 sq.m. of land on Dickie Street in Baysville.
The municipal right of way also has road frontage on Muskoka Road 117 and Spruce Street and could be split into roughly two equal lots, according to staff.
In September, municipal staff was instructed to issue a request for proposals for the lands to build affordable housing. Three bids were received, and staff was back before council on Nov. 12, recommending that Habitat for Humanity’s bid, consisting of six long-term affordable rental units in two triplex buildings, each containing one bedroom and one parking space, be accepted.
Township Director of Planning Services April Best-Sararas noted in her report that “Habitat proposes to act as landowner and project developer, while the Township would act as project partner, defined by the creation of the subject lot(s), ensuring a conveyable state; contribution of the land pursuant to terms of appropriate agreements; as well as ongoing collaboration, support, and assistance (financial or otherwise) through the planning, permitting, and construction processes.”
She also stated that “The proposed triplex buildings are single-storey, attractive and low-profile, providing a suitable transition from low density residential development to commercial development in the surrounding area,” although no renderings were provided. “The proposal includes commitment to long-term affordability, environmental sustainability, including energy performance above the standards of the Ontario Building Code, completing all project approvals in a timely manner, design excellence, and obtaining and ensuring economical use of the space while maintaining the comfortable livability of the unit, and 100% of the units being universal design in accordance with CMHC standards,” she added.
The council accepted the recommendation, although many questions went unanswered, like why only one-bedroom apartments were being considered and what made the units environmentally sustainable. Councillors also wanted to know what guarantees would be put in place to ensure the units remained affordable and what constitutes ‘affordability.’ Other questions included whether Habitat, which would own the development, could sell it to another entity in 20 years.
“I mean at this point the staff report is only looking at awarding the contract. So there are going to be other legal mechanisms that will be addressed at a later date in terms of again affordability and matters such as that,” said Best-Sararas. “Right now, the report before council is just to award the contract, and this matter will be back before council as we have additional steps that need to be taken before those lands are developed.”
Asked by Lake of Bays Mayor Terry Glover what other financial responsibilities the Township might be looking at, Best-Sararas said it could be responsible for things like waiving planning fees and legal costs. Glover said he did not want to commit future councils.
“There are a lot of unknowns right now because of steps needed to make it a conveyable state,” said Best-Sararas of the lands. Those steps will include a public meeting to rezone the lands, she added.
Councillor Bob Lacroix noted that it could cost $40,000 just to get water and sewer services to the units.
Councillor Mike Peppard said there could be funding available through the District.
When asked about timelines, Best-Sararas said Habitat has “committed to doing it in a timely manner.”
You can find her report to council HERE.
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That’s a good start. I hope they reach the finish line!