The No. 1 goal of our Housing and Homelessness Master Plan is to “sustain and expand social and affordable housing supply” in Windsor-Essex County.

For more than 25 years, Habitat for Humanity Windsor Essex’s small army of volunteers have been making a difference in the lives of moderate to low-income families in our community by building quality houses that they can afford to own. To date, 67 homes have been constructed, mostly within the City of Windsor, using donations and sweat-equity. Four more Habitat for Humanity houses are in the pipeline for Ford City this year. These homes not only give a fresh start to local families, but they also help to revitalize neighbourhoods and strengthen communities.

My hope tonight is that City Council will support the administrative recommendation to not only waive the building fees totalling $46,865.43 for two affordable homes built by Habitat for Humanity, but to also add Habitat for Humanity to a permanent fees waiver list as an incentive to build more affordable homes at a time when we most need them.

-Mayor Drew Dilkens