Guelph council launches funding for affordable housing projects

Guelph city council has approved a new program to support affordable housing projects by providing financial assistance to non-profit organizations. The program, called the Affordable Housing Seed Funding program, aims to help cover costs before construction starts. The city’s housing stability advisor, Anthony Dolcetti, explained that many people struggle to find affordable homes. This program is one of several initiatives the city is launching to address this issue. The grants will help non-profits with expenses like feasibility studies and site plans. Each non-profit can receive up to $25,000. The funds can be used for projects that create affordable rental units or homes for ownership. Dolcetti mentioned that rent prices will be regulated to ensure they remain affordable. This new program is part of Guelph's broader Housing Affordability Strategy, which the council approved in December 2024. Non-profit organizations in Guelph and the surrounding Wellington County, including co-op housing and community land trusts, can apply for this funding starting this spring. While there are no plans to expand the program right now, Dolcetti noted that other funding options are available, such as the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan.