Habitat for Humanity Toronto to pitch for new options in affordable housing

Neil Hetherington will present to the Planning and Growth Management Committee at City Hall to include affordable ownership housing as an eligible community benefit in the Official Plan

TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Toronto, will speak at the Planning and Growth Management Committee meeting Thursday morning to create a case for the inclusion of affordable homeownership as an eligible community benefit according to Section 37 of the Planning Act. The proposed amendment will allow developers an increase in density provided they include units for affordable housing in the development project. With this amendment, charitable non-profit organizations offering affordable housing programs such as Habitat for Humanity Toronto could be deemed a community benefit.

"Habitat for Humanity Toronto is committed to eradicating substandard housing in Toronto," says Neil Hetherington. "The proposed amendments could mean hundreds of affordable homes for families in need."

Key Details:
What: Presentation to the Planning and Growth Management Committee

When: February 16, 2012 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Committee Room 1, City Hall

Who: Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat Toronto; City of Toronto Planning and Growth Management Committee

About Habitat for Humanity Toronto:
Established in 1988, Habitat for Humanity Toronto is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian housing organization. We welcome all people without discrimination to join us as we build simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. One hundred percent of all administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of four Toronto ReStores. Habitat Toronto ReStores sell quality new and gently used donated building materials. Habitat for Humanity Toronto is proud to be a 2011 Tarion Award of Excellence Finalist in the Medium Volume Builder category. Every 10 minutes, Habitat for Humanity helps a family improve their housing situation in more than 100 countries around the world.

Neil Hetherington, CEO
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
T: 416-755-7353 ext. 223 C: 416-436-4190 E: [email protected]