Across Ontario, a common goal exists to increase the supply of affordable housing for improved housing options available to low and moderate-income households and specifically targeted households in need. This goal and many others in regard to affordable housing and ending homelessness are addressed by Service Managers (SM) and District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABS) which are responsible for housing service system planning in their communities under the 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plans. Local strategies to create affordable housing may be implemented, and are often dependent on important federal and provincial investments to offset the economic realities to build more housing. A combination of roles and partners are necessary to work together, ranging from the residents in need of improved access to affordable housing and Housing Providers to develop the housing, to all three levels of government including Service Managers and housing development experts in the private sector such as lenders, builders, and architects. The development of affordable rental housing requires navigation through various stages, in both the public and private sectors. This guide can assist with the understanding of common considerations in achieving a successful outcome.

References in this guide may refer to the local Service Manager administration and funding for affordable housing developments accessed through federal/provincial programs such as the Investment in Affordable Housing Initiative (IAH), as well as through municipal incentives and investments such as municipal housing reserves, Municipal Housing Project Facility Agreements and related By-laws. Housing Providers and others are encouraged to contact their local Service Manager for up-to-date information on available affordable housing development initiatives and funding opportunities. The purpose of this guide is to provide a resource to individuals and groups wanting to develop, build and operate affordable rental housing. A growing body of research shows that access to good quality affordable housing can support not only low and moderate-income households, but also has positive community-wide benefits related to economic competitiveness, health, education and community well-being. But what do we mean by “affordable housing”? Affordable housing is an umbrella term that refers to a range of different housing types in the private market and non-profit sectors. How you define affordable housing will be different depending on your role as funder, policy maker, housing advocate, and/or tenant.