Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Guelph has received another round of federal funding to boost housing supply.
“Finding a secure, affordable place to live remains a challenge for many families in Guelph,” City of Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said in a statement. “Thank you to the federal government for your continued investment in the work to deliver on the programs, policies, and grants that make it possible for more housing to get built in Guelph.”
In 2026, Guelph will use federal funding to:
- Streamline new housing downtown: Through a land-use planning tool called a Community Planning Permit System, the city is looking to combine minor variances, zoning bylaw amendments, and site plan applications into a single, more efficient approval process. This will streamline new housing in growing areas including downtown.
- Provide more grants for affordable housing: The Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan grants are available to anyone building affordable housing.
- Build affordable housing on city-owned land:There are plans to build 12 new rental units on city-owned land on Normandy Drive and Eastview Road. These units will be run by an affordable housing provider.
- Explore more unitsin existing neighbourhoods: Potential policies could allow five or more housing units on corner residential lots that are next to arterial or collector roads.
By the end of 2026, the goal is to issue permits for 3,657 housing units.
By the end of 2026, the goal is to issue permits for 3,657 housing units. The City of Guelph continues to work closely with housing providers, home builders and the development community to monitor challenges impacting the housing market, including tariffs and trade action, labour shortages, and high interest rates.
To learn more about the City’s housing initiatives and progress on the Housing Accelerator Fund action plan, visit guelph.ca/housing.
