In 2020, the Region of Waterloo projected that Woolwich would reach 51,000 residents by 2051, as part of the Regional Official Plan.

Following the 2020 projection, the Township received funding from the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) in 2024 with the aim of accommodating the projected population growth. In response, multiple initiatives have been undertaken, including a rental housing initiative over three years to subsidize building permit fees and development charge fees (DC's) for new rental housing unit developments in Elmira, St. Jacobs, and Breslau.

This initiative aims to support the creation of over 800 new rental units, including affordable options, by lowering costs for developers. Projects must be on fully serviced properties with a minimum of eleven rental units and adhere to specific criteria. Developers will enter a fifteen-year agreement to ensure the units remain rentals and meet construction deadlines. Please consult our brochure and application form on this page for more information.

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