Lakeshore Town Council made big strides on its plans to build new homes by approving three initiatives and accepting a summary report on community engagement.
"The steps we took reflect the incredible amount of work that has been done over a short period of time," said Lakeshore Mayor Tracey Bailey. "Each element is part of our broader strategy -- that increases housing opportunities through gentle densification."
Councillors approved the Lakeshore Community Improvement Plan for Housing and Main Streets and Rural Economic Development. It'll provide financial incentives to increase housing supply, including affordable housing, and encourage infill development.
They also approved the 2025 Affordable Housing Strategy and a Pattern Book providing pre-approved housing designs. The book will speed up home building permit approvals, while ensuring new homes are compatible with established neighbourhoods.
Lakeshore was approved for more than $7-million in funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation earlier this year. The money, over the next four years, will help Lakeshore meet its housing supply growth target of 898 homes.
Councillors also heard from its Lakeshore Horizons team, which has hosted three public information sessions about the concepts of gentle density and the cost implications of growth. The team is a collaboration between the town and the Centre for Cities at the University of Windsor. It'll offer more opportunities for the public to provide feedback at upcoming public meetings for development along County Road 22.
