Hamilton, ON (December 16th, 2024)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is partnering with seven renowned local community and home builders to address the urgent need for affordable housing in Hamilton. Cachet Homes, LIV Communities, Micor Developments, Parente Group Holdings, Starward Homes, Spallacci & Sons Limited, and Huron Creek Holdings Corp. (together, Upper West Side Landowners Group) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Habitat Hamilton, marking the beginning of a unified effort to bring more urgently needed affordable homes to the city of Hamilton. If successful, this ambitious initiative could become one of the most significant affordable housing developments in the city’s history and set a precedent for what is achievable when collaboration is at the forefront of land use planning.
The proposed development takes a bold and proactive approach to tackling the housing crisis, combining innovative planning, sustainable design, and community-focused solutions. It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring more residents have access to safe, affordable housing while contributing to the city’s growth and vitality.
“Housing affordability is at a tipping point in our community,” said Sean Ferris, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. “This proposed build offers an unprecedented opportunity to deliver tangible results for families and individuals who have been left behind in the housing market. If approved, this initiative will help shape a more inclusive and equitable Hamilton.”
The development is designed to integrate a mix of housing options, ensuring a balance between affordable and market-rate units to maintain economic sustainability while maximizing social impact. The vision reflects a collaborative effort between the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, demonstrating how innovative partnerships can yield out-of-the-box solutions to pressing urban challenges.
By addressing the city’s affordability crisis at this scale, the proposed project also aligns with the broader strategic goals of the City of Hamilton, which prioritize sustainable growth, livable communities, and equitable opportunities for all residents.
“This initiative is not just about building homes, it’s about building a future where everyone has a place to belong,” said Marcus Gagliardi, Senior Land Development Manager with Cachet Homes. “It demonstrates what’s possible when diverse partners come together with a shared purpose – to make more housing a reality for more families who need it.”
The consortium looks forward to working with City Council and the community to refine and advance the proposal. As housing challenges persist nationwide, this project could stand as a benchmark for other municipalities seeking innovative and impactful solutions.
“We understand the challenges Council faces in approving projects of this scale,” added Gagliardi. “However, this is an opportunity to address the housing affordability issue in Hamilton in a substantial way. The time to act is now.”
About Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is an independent charity, building affordable housing and promoting homeownership. Since 1991, Habitat Hamilton has built and renovated dozens of homes for underhoused families. Our vision is a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. With world-class project build execution, we mobilize local volunteers, community members, donors, and corporate partners, seeking to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. www.habitathamilton.ca
About the Upper West Side Landowners Group
The ownership group includes some of Hamilton’s most respected developers, each with a long history of creating vibrant, sustainable communities. Their shared vision of incorporating affordable housing into the Upper West Side Development exemplifies their commitment to making Hamilton a more inclusive city. https://uwshamilton.com/
For inquiries, please contact:
Jeff Wolfson
Director, Marketing & Development
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Phone: 905-560-6707 ext. 110
Email: jeff@habitathamilton.ca
