Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex (Habitat) has constructed dwelling units for families with low to moderate incomes since 1994. Habitat does not technically meet the Waiver of Fee policy criteria which states that eligibility is restricted to one-time requests from an entity; additionally, organizations such as Habitat that can issue charitable donation receipts are also ineligible. However, over the past approximately 10 years, requests by Habitat for grants or waivers related to affordable housing have generally been approved.

On December 12, 2019, the City received a letter from Habitat for Humanity WindsorEssex, requesting grants-in-lieu-of fees building, development and related fees for two Windsor homes completed on 1486 St. Luke (completed 2019) and 4895 Matchette (completed 2017/2018). The request letter is attached as APPENDIX A.

APPENDIX B details the amounts Habitat is requesting in the form of a grant in order to offset fees totalling $51,061.43.

Further, Habitat is requesting that the city consider an administrative policy change to waive development and related fees, similar to the one in place from other Cities, attached for information as APPENDIX C.

Additionally Habitat is also seeking a streamlined process going forward relative to collection of the building, development and related fees for the Habitat for Humanity Windsor Essex requests whereby they could avoid paying said initial fees and then be required to wait for a refund from the City relative to any approved grant in lieu waiver of fees.

Discussion:

Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is a registered charitable organization under Canada Revenue Agency and an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada (a Federal Non-Profit Corporation under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act). Their mission statement is "to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting home ownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty". Habitat for Humanity has sought to help families achieve first-time home ownership by making the cost of owing a house affordable. They help families build and purchase affordable homes through a zero interest, zero down payment, geared-to-income mortgage over a period of 15 to 30 years. They serve and work with various corporate organizations, individuals, volunteers and with people of all faiths and beliefs.

Habitat's requested grant-in-lieu-of fees for building, development and related fees for two Windsor homes completed at 1486 St. Luke (completed 2019) and 4895 Matchette (completed 2017-2018), for a total amount of $51,061.43. The requested amount includes Education Fees and refundable Indemnity Fees (which as the name implies would already be refunded in normal course). Administration recommends that the waiver be restricted only to City fees exclusive of those collected on behalf of the school boards. Therefore the recommended grant is $46,865.43, as detailed in the following schedule.