FERGUS – Centre Wellington council will consider the next steps in a proposed affordable housing initiative in Fergus when it meets today at 5 p.m.
Council is set to review a staff report outlining plans for 350 St. Andrew Street West, a downtown Fergus property recently purchased by the Township for approximately $1.13 million.
The 0.39-acre site, which overlooks the Grand River, was previously home to a medical building and has existing approvals for a four-storey, mixed-use development containing 36 residential units and a ground-floor commercial space.
Staff are recommending the Township move ahead with a request for proposals to find an experienced organization to develop, operate and manage affordable rental housing on the site.
The proposed process would allow potential partners to suggest different arrangements for the land, including a purchase, long-term lease or other agreement, subject to future council approval. The selected proponent would also be expected to demonstrate development experience, financial capacity and an ability to meet long-term affordability requirements.
The report also recommends staff begin discussions with neighbouring property owners to explore opportunities that could improve the future project, including possible arrangements involving parking, site access and public connections.
The Township says the property could help address a growing need for affordable housing in Centre Wellington. A 2025 Housing Needs Assessment found about one in six households in the municipality are living in housing considered unaffordable, while more than one in three renter households spend at least 30 per cent of their gross income on shelter costs.
Council’s meeting gets underway at 5 p.m. today.
