Habitat for Humanity to build in Stayner

Habitat for Humanity has announced its next build will be in Clearview Township.

The organization’s South Georgian Bay chapter is planning to build a semi-detached house, making two units available for two families, on 212 Quebec Street.

Board chair Andrew Turnbull was before council Monday, with executive director Joy Fleury, to ask council to defer and or waive the Clearview portion of development fees and building permit costs.

Turnbull said Habitat for Humanity helps people secure affordable housing by setting them up in a modest home with a long-term interest-free mortgage. “Part of the reason they can’t get into the housing market is because they are paying “astronomical rents”, he said.

Forty-eight applications were received for Habitat’s last build in Collingwood.

“We always keep in mind the level of greatest need when choosing a family,” said Fleury.

Councillor Kevin Elwood said he doesn’t think township fees should be waived because it equates to council making decisions about charitable donations with taxpayer dollars.

Turnbull said council could consider it as part of the municipality’s affordable housing strategy, rather than a charitable donation.