About
The Township of West Lincoln is developing an Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP). This project will identify local housing needs and explore a range of financial and non-financial tools to encourage the development of affordable and attainable housing across the Township. Through public consultation and collaboration with community partners, the CIP will provide a clear framework for supporting diverse housing options that meet the needs of residents today and into the future.
Affordable Housing Background Report (PDF)
Proposed CIP programs (PDF)
Draft West Lincoln Affordable Housing CIP (PDF)
Timeline
The Affordable Housing CIP is being undertaken in 3 stages - CIP Background Review and Analysis, Engagement and Draft Housing CIP Document, and Final CIP and By-laws - with the anticipated completion to be in March 2026.
Over the course of the project, there will be opportunities for members of the public to share their input and help shape the Township’s Affordable Housing CIP.
Proposed Incentive Programs
The following financial and non-financial incentive programs are being proposed for Council and Public consideration:
- Municipal Fee Grant Program
- Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Grant
- Accessibility Top-Up Grant
- Family-Sized/Seniors Unit Top-Up Grant
- Home Upgrade Grant
- Education and Capacity-Building Workshops
- Housing Concierge/Client Support Service
- Housing Reserve
Public Engagement
Survey 1 - closed |
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An online survey was held between October 23 and November 13, 2025, with paper surveys also available for pick-up at Township Administration, the West Lincoln Community Centre and West Lincoln Public Library - Canborough, Smithville and Wellandport Branches. |
Open House |
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A public open house was held at the West Lincoln Community Centre on January 14, 2026, to present and gather feedback on proposed CIP programs. |
Survey 2 - closed |
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An online survey was held between January 14 and January 31, 2026, to provide feedback on the potential financial and non-financial incentive programs. |
Statutory Public Meeting |
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A statutory public meeting was held on February 9, 2026, gathering feedback and comments regarding the Affordable Housing CIP, the proposed Community Improvement Plan Area, as well as the proposed incentive programs. Notice of Public Meeting for Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan Affordable Housing Background Report (PDF) Proposed CIP programs (PDF) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)? |
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A CIP is a land use planning tool that allows municipalities like ours to provide financial incentives (grants and loans) and non-financial incentives to private landowners to encourage revitalization and development to achieve locally defined goals, like the provision of housing. The use of this tool is permitted by Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990. |
What is the Purpose of the CIP? |
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The Affordable Housing CIP will establish financial and non-financial incentive programs to attract landowners, developers, non-profits, and community organizations to help diversify housing options in the Township of West Lincoln. The CIP will serve as a toolkit to encourage the timely development of housing typologies, including “missing middle” housing and gentle infill in established neighbourhoods. The CIP study will explore and recommend the most effective strategies, programs, and tools to achieve this, ensuring alignment with the Township’s Official Plan. The study will incorporate best practices, market trends, and emerging guidance from the Province. |
Why is the Township funding a West Lincoln specific program when a Niagara Region program already exists? |
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The Region offers a variety of programs to provide housing support to assist those with lower incomes. The Township can further support these residents through the creation of an affordable housing CIP through reducing or removing planning and building permit fees, providing incentives for accessible and family sized units, as well as a variety of non-financial incentive programs. A CIP is the main tool that the municipality has to offer these additional programs. This will not be a duplication of programs, but rather this CIP would compliment current and future programs offered by the Region to further advance affordable housing options for residents in the Township. |
Contact
If you have a question that has not been addressed in the FAQ above, please send it to staff by email.
The Township has retained Nethery Planning to facilitate this project.
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