As part of Council's 2023-2026 Corporate Strategic Plan, Comprehensive Housing Options is a Key Pillar. Council has determined that encouraging the creation of affordable housing requires a more participatory role by the Town. There is no single planning tool, municipal investment project or Council decision that by itself will result in the elimination of the wait for affordable housing in Fort Erie. It requires an array of tools and programs that provide enough incentive for developers to create more affordable units.
The Town of Fort Erie is proud to announce that Town Council adoped the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (AHCIP) on February 10, 2025 and further, approved the implementing by-law on February 24, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the Town's ongoing efforts to increase access to affordable housing units for residents.
This initiative was designed to provide valuable support for affordable housing projects throughout the Town, offering financial incentives to encourage the development and revitilization of housing that meets the needs of individuals and families in Fort Erie.
The three (3) incentive programs being offered provide funding up to $20,000 to eligible properties/projects to a maximum of $500,000 per project. A summary of the programs are as follows:
Affordable Housing Per Door Grant (APD)
- Provides financial help for creating new affordable rental or ownership housing units by giving a lump sum grant per unit/per project to cover costs.
Affordable Housing Study Grant (ASG)
- Helps cover the cost of studies that explore the feasibility of including affordable housing in new developments or using cost-saving building materials.
Additional Dwelling Unit Grant (ADU)
- Offers a one-time grant to help with the cost of adding an additional apartment unit to an existing home or within an existing or new detached accessory structure.
