It took over a year, but the City is finally moving forward with leasing land for affordable housing at 5 & 13 Lake Ave South in Stoney Creek.
The site currently a free municipal parking lot.
The project is opposed by Ward 5 Councillor Matt Francis, who says the parking is essential for the area’s businesses.
Francis succeeded in having seven other council members vote with him to oppose the project. This resulted in an 8-8 vote that defeated the motion to declare portions of the downtown Stoney Creek parking lots surplus.
Immediately following the March 27, 2024, tied vote, Mayor Andrea Horwath issued her first mayoral veto, declaring that the need for affordable housing is greater than that for parking. The veto moved the project forward.
Earlier today, the City posted a call for expressions of interest seeking non-profit housing providers willing to enter into a 40-year “nominal value lease” to build and operate rental housing on the properties. At least 30 percent of the units would be defined as “affordable” at a maximum of 80 percent of average market rent.
The City documents state that affordable housing providers who serve veterans will be preferred.
Preliminary Numbers: 67 Units of Housing
The City states its “preliminary modelling of the sites” indicate “5 Lake Avenue South can
accommodate a 3-storey building with 24 studio units” and “13 Lake Avenue South can
accommodate a 5-storey building with 43 one-bedroom units.”
The City will not consider any increases to density or height that require zoning amendments.
City Only Providing Land-Lease
The City states it is “willing” to be named as a co-investor in any funding applications the eventual non-profit provider makes, however, the City’s contribution is limited to the nominal land-lease.
Entire Development Must Be Complete and Occupied by 2029
The City states it expects construction to be complete within four years of the land-lease signing, with quarterly progress reports filed to the City.
Clr Francis Continues to Oppose
Clr Francis issued a statement today saying the bid process should be cancelled because he believes a new City Council will vote to stop the project in 2027.
“It is unlikely that construction will begin before the 2026 municipal election,” Francis writes in an email sent to a broad distribution list. “There is a strong expectation in the community that this project should be reconsidered after the 2026 election.”
Expression bids must be filed by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28.
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Published: April 15, 2025
Last updated: April 15, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
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