City council will consider partnering with Niagara Region to solicit competitive bids from not-for-profit groups for an affordable-housing development in Niagara Falls.

Local politicians are scheduled to deal with a staff report Tuesday evening calling for a joint request for proposal with the Region for a downtown property on Park Street, a city-owned parking lot and former market.

The project would provide 200 to 300 affordable-housing units in the city.

"I think it's a great project," said Coun. Lori Lococo.

"We definitely need affordable housing in Niagara Falls."

Council had authorized staff to proceed with discussions and prepare a request for proposals.

City staff have met with Region officials, as well as representatives from Niagara Housing and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. to put together the details of the RFP.

The Region is expected to present a similar report to regional council this month.

The staff report states one of the key priorities identified for this term of council is the provision of a strong and diverse housing market that includes affordable and accessible housing opportunities. This includes the preparation of a comprehensive housing strategy that will establish an integrated and strategic approach to enhance Niagara Falls' capacity to ensure all residents have a safe and secure home.

It's important the city work with the private sector, not-for-profit sector and senior levels of government to facilitate the delivery of new affordable-housing units on both city-owned and third-party land, according to the report.

"We've been told that housing is a regional issue and that's where all of the money is, but realistically it is a municipality issue (too)," said Lococo.

"We live in our community and we're having challenges with affordable housing, so we have to do something."

The city will donate the Park Street property, which has an estimated value of between $300,000- and $400,000. Safeguards will be built into the agreement to ensure the units remain affordable for 40-plus years.

The city and Region would enter into agreements allowing for the exemption from all or part of the taxes and for development charges, provided the property and units remain affordable.

Development charges, building-permit fees, planning fees and studies will be waived by both the city and Region.

Planning staff estimate the site could accommodate a 10-storey building.

The report notes the apartment units will be geared to market demand. Currently, there is a low vacancy rate for bachelor and one-bedroom units.

Funds have already been set aside in council's 2019 capital budget for the demolition of the former market on site.

The project will not be owned or operated by the city or Region, but rather by the not-for-profit/private-sector group that is the successful applicant through the RFP process.

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Raymond.Spiteri@niagaradailies.com

905-225-1645 | @RaySpiteri