Midland is seeking proposals to create two affordable housing projects.
The request for proposals (RFPs) went out late last year inviting professionals, such as architects, architectural designers, land use planners, or engineers to study 415 William St. and 260 Midland Ave. to present best uses for attainable housing.
The study is looking for ideas that aim to provide the maximum number of studio, one and two-bedroom units, sizes for which will range from approximately 500 to 850 sq. ft., with limited parking. The submitted concepts must identify at least 10 units (of mixed sizes) that meet the town’s goals for housing attainability, which is a rental rate of approximately $800 per month.
The project may include a mix of fair market value rents and supported rents to make the project financially viable and self-sustaining. The town document also states that submitted proposals may include non-residential components if such elements contribute to the viability of the project.
The RFP period ends on Jan. 23, according to Rob Elliott, the town's community and development services executive director, who updated members of Council's Task Force on Affordable Housing that held its first meeting of the year Tuesday.
Members of the group are presenting a draft business case and next steps to council at its first meeting of the year on Wednesday, Jan. 20, a few days before the RFP deadline.
Task-force chair Gord McKay said the group will inform council of its activities to date and make a case for its plan of action going forward.
He then asked Elliott if he had any more information on the model the Town of Halton Hills is following.
Elliott said he had not heard back from the municipality owing to the holiday season.
"Halton Hills identified a need for affordable housing and have identified surplus lands within their community as well," he added. "What they're doing is putting an RFP out looking for a partner they could work with to develop and operate these lands for affordable housing purposes.
"I'm trying to get further information about what success will look like for them, what their anticipated operating model looks like and what kind of likelihood for success in finding a partner they see out there," said Elliott. "I think this is a really good avenue to explore.
"This is an opportunity that puts the municipality at little risk. Finding partners that could construct, operate and hopefully maintain these types of facilities is something Midland should keep on the radar as a very viable solution to the affordable housing market."
The group will hold its next meeting at 2 p.m. on Monday. Feb. 1, to address council feedback and hear results from the RFP.
