"It’s possible a different approach could be cheaper but doing what’s been done means known cost. Innovation is risky, especially when delays can sink a project. So we get more of what’s already been built, homes shaped by financial predictability, not by livability."
"No number of extra shifts at work or cutting back on dinners out is going to bridge that gap."
“Strong communities are built when compassion meets action — and that’s exactly what this partnership represents,” said Julie Millard, VP, Corporate Citizenship at OpenText.
In a bold and visionary step toward solving the housing crisis, the City of Waterloo has finalized the transfer of city-owned land at 2025 University Avenue East for one of the largest and most ambitious affordable housing projects in Canada.
"Our future lies in smarter, more inclusive communities. That means accepting, and even embracing, density—not as a last resort, but as a necessary step toward solving the housing crisis"
"We need zoning that reflects how folks live today. And we need funding models that prioritize suitability, not just scale"
"Anytime the topic of high-density housing is brought up there is sure to be a contingent that says they support the idea, just not in their backyard (NIMBY)"
"In a world that often feels chaotic, it's comforting to know that here in Waterloo Region, we have a history of coming together"
"Every party has outlined some policies and goals, and it’s up to us, as voters, to take a close look at these plans. What we need now is more than just quick fixes. We need wide ranging, long-term solutions that tackle affordability at its core."
"If we want this crisis fixed, we need to sort out this paradox. Do we want this fixed or not? If so, we need to loudly support the fixes when our politicians respond to our demands for action."
"We need to show our confidence in those displaying this confident humility. Confidence in our leaders. Confidence in industry experts. Confidence in our shared commitment to a better community."
Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region and BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region Announce Exciting New Development Proposal to Waterloo City Council
Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region and BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region Announce Exciting New Development Proposal to Waterloo City Council
Habitat for Humanity Canada's third annual Affordable Housing Survey reveals a stark reality in Canada’s deepening housing crisis:
"We need more of this "get things done" attitude from all levels of government. It's something we’re fortunate to see here in Waterloo Region"
"So how do we fix housing? I have an idea, but first, let’s talk about firetrucks."
"Anytime the topic of high-density housing is brought up there is sure to be a contingent that says they support the idea, just not in their backyard (NIMBY)"
"Amazon is also proud to support the construction of 24 stacked townhomes in Cambridge through a donation to Habitat for Humanity. The project will provide working families in need with access to home ownership."
"We are currently seeking Request for Proposal (RFP) submissions from qualified service providers to deliver expert bookkeeping services. This is a great opportunity to highlight your expertise and join us for a valuable partnership."
"The light is already falling and we need to change how we think about housing. We can’t focus on back yards, parking spaces, and garages if we want to get this crisis under control"
“Today’s announcement shows the transformation that comes from these strong partnerships within the housing sector"
"Today, the City of Kitchener and Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region announced the inaugural phase of “BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region”, a first of its kind in Canada"
"When addressing housing issues, we must acknowledge the true extent of the problem, which surpasses our initial perceptions."
"We cannot continue to say we need affordable housing in one sentence only to follow it with reasons why not this housing"
"Too often, attempts to pinpoint blame result in each party deflecting accountability. Meanwhile, the community continues to suffer from a housing shortage"
"This is a crisis and we cannot allow ourselves the luxury of time because, to be frank, we’ve run out."
Habitat for Humanity Canada has released the results of a new national survey revealing Canadians’ attitudes towards the affordable housing crisis in Canada and sheds light on the growing barriers to housing and homeownership. The Habitat for Humanity Canada Affordable Housing Survey, which measured the perceptions of Canadian homeowners and renters, also sheds light on the growing concerns and barriers to homeownership including lack of housing supply, increased cost of living, discriminati...
"We need to change how we think about housing and the stigma we have always attached to affordable housing."
"We need to shift from the private to the public space. Because we cannot end our housing crisis one backyard at a time."
"This is a system failing in real time. A failure driven in no small part due to a lack of options. There are simply not enough homes for people at affordable price points. Without an influx of suitable housing options, prices will continue to rise."
"I’m not saying we shouldn’t ask about parking or traffic, but I do worry that as we ask those questions we miss the real crisis - housing."
"We need more housing. We need permanently affordable housing across the entire spectrum. We need a system that gives people the option to live the life of their dreams."
Philip Mills, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, writes that the Shantz Hill Towns project in Cambridge, in partnership with Activa and the city’s support, proves partnerships work
"70,000 is a huge number of homes. It’s a commitment the cities frankly cannot achieve on their own. But the cities, partnered with not-for-profits and the private sector, that is a powerful engine for social change. That is how we get to a transformative solution. That is how we get to a solution. That is how we end a housing crisis."
Urban infill is the redevelopment of land in urban areas, in this case, for more housing units.
"Adding to urban density does so much for us as a community. First and foremost, done right we can have more homes" says Philip Mills, CEO Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region
"Where will your children live? Where will your parents live? Where will your co-workers or employees live? Where will you live? So, what will it take?" says Philip Mills, CEO Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region
Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region and Home Hardware Stores Ltd. are marking a significant point in their partnership that has lasted for more than two decades.
Home Hardware Stores Limited is once again donating thousands of pounds of home improvement materials to Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region
Your financial support, your voice and your time will help bring strength, stability and independence to families in need of a decent place to live.
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