CENTRE WELLINGTON – The County of Wellington Housing Services Division will be hosting a free Affordable Housing Development Workshop Series to be hosted at the County Museum and Archives next month.
In a press release the County said increasing the number and variety of affordable housing options was a “primary objective” which emerged from consultations about their 10-year housing and homelessness plan, titled A Place to Call Home.
“New approaches coordinated with housing partners are needed to help support the creation of truly affordable housing options,” the press release said.
Tim Welch Consulting Inc. will be a main fixture of the workshops and will provide “practical guidance” on developing new affordable housing.
The sessions have been designed around informing local municipalities, elected officials, housing providers and community agencies working in housing and homelessness.
The workshops cover different topics depending on the time and day and are as follows:
Nov. 13, Goal Setting and Pre-construction Activities 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This workshop will explore project goals, affordability, government funding, land searches, partnerships, development teams and considerations for existing housing providers.
Nov. 13, Funding and Financing 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Attendees will learn about capital and operating funding, government programs, construction and mortgage financing, budgets, cash flow and alternative financing options.
Nov. 23, Assembling a Design and Construction Team 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This workshop will explore design and construction approaches, selecting architects and contractors, unit and common-space design, accessibility and construction cash flow.
Nov. 23, Planning Approvals and Affordable Housing 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Attendees will learn about municipal planning approvals, required studies, environmental considerations, community engagement and navigating the approvals process.
Nov. 30, Preparing for Management and Operations 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This workshop will explore property management, operating budgets, tenant selection and support services.
“These workshops can help turn ideas into housing projects that meet the needs of our communities by bringing people together and sharing practical knowledge,” Warden Christ White said in the press release.
