Developers interested in building opportunities for affordable housing can now apply for a new provincial initiative.
The City of Windsor has opened a request for proposals (RFP) for the 2019 Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI), which provides funding to address certain needs in housing. According to the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, developers can set aside a portion of this funding to help tackle the issue of homelessness.
Those interested in submitting proposals may now do so by visiting the city's purchasing department at City Hall or via the paperless bidding website Biddingo.
According to a release from the city, eligible proponents include partnerships between private sector companies and a supportive agency in the form of non-profit and charitable organizations, non-profit housing providers, cooperative housing providers, social support agencies, and service clubs or organizations.
The program covers up to 75 per cent of the total pro-rated share of capital costs of the units on a 20-year forgivable loan basis. The share for Windsor-Essex is about $2.8 million and covers proposals through the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The priorities addressed by OPHI funding include the construction of new, safe affordable rental housing; rental assistance, community housing repair, tenant supports, and eventual ownership for residents.
The deadline for submissions is August 27 at 11:30 a.m. Answers to some frequently asked questions can be found at the city of Windsor's official website.