Building Momentum: Housing Initiatives Advance in Lakeshore

The future of housing in Lakeshore was the focus of Council’s agenda at the regular meeting on August 12, 2025. Council approved several reports and initiatives related to housing and fulfilling Lakeshore’s commitments under the $7 million Housing Accelerator Fund grant.

“The steps we took tonight reflect the incredible amount of work that has been done over a short period of time. Housing is one of our top priorities, and we are thrilled to see these critical initiatives move forward,” said Mayor Tracey Bailey. “Each element is part of our broader strategy to create a Comprehensive Development System that increases housing opportunities through gentle densification and helps us build the future of Lakeshore that aligns with the vision of the residents of our communities.”

“Lakeshore’s leadership on housing is bold and ambitious. The steps taken last night are important ones and align with what we heard from the community that they want - growth that is fiscally responsible, environmentally sensitive, and supportive of residents’ quality of life, while providing housing options for all,” said Dr. Anneke Smit, Director of the Centre for Cities.

At the meeting, Council received or provided direction on several initiatives related to housing. The reports are a culmination of the ongoing work and community engagement efforts of Lakeshore Horizons, staff, and consultants.

• Council approved the Lakeshore Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for Housing and Main Streets and Rural Economic Development. The CIP, once established, will provide financial incentives to properties throughout Lakeshore to:
  • To increase the supply of housing, including affordable housing, as well as encourage infill development.
  • Support investment in rural economic development and main streets revitalization.
  • Reduce planning application and building permit costs.
  • Improve accessibility and aesthetics of existing buildings and streetscapes.
• Council approved the 2025 Affordable Housing Strategy, which will serve as a roadmap for enabling housing that meets the needs of Lakeshore’s residents today and into the future. The strategy includes three goals, each of which is supported by practical actions that will guide Lakeshore’s role in facilitating affordable housing.
• Council approved the incorporation of a Pattern Book into Lakeshore’s Development Manual. The Pattern Book will provide a slate of pre-approved housing designs to speed up home building permit approvals while maintaining compatibility with established neighbourhoods. The Pattern Book will also serve as a public education tool to help residents understand gentle density and infill opportunities.
• Council received a summary report from the Lakeshore Horizons team on community engagement initiatives that have occurred to date. The team hosted three public information sessions to introduce residents to concepts of gentle density and the cost implications of growth. Building on the initial sessions, a community charrette provided an interactive space for collaboration and idea-sharing that encouraged attendees to define their values. The Lakeshore Horizons team will be offering additional engagement opportunities for the community — especially in relation to future development along the County Road 22 corridor.

Stay tuned and sign up for Lakeshore Horizons updates online at Lakeshore.ca/HorizonsSignUp.

Background

• Earlier this year, Lakeshore received approval for over $7 million in funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) over four years under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) program. The Municipality is now required to implement the approved initiatives to accelerate housing development and meet its housing supply growth target of 898 new units by Q1 2028.

About Lakeshore Horizons:

Horizons is formed by a partnership with the Municipality of Lakeshore and the Centre for Cities (C4C) at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Law, which is aimed at modernizing Lakeshore's planning and development process, including implementation of Lakeshore’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiatives.
 
The University of Windsor and the Municipality of Lakeshore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), combining strengths to drive meaningful impact across the region.

Media Contacts: 

• Alex Denonville
  Division Leader – Communication & Engagement
  Municipality of Lakeshore
  226-347-9717
  adenonville@Lakeshore.ca

• Kaitlyn DiPietro (Karns)
  Communications and Administration
  Centre for Cities
  519-562-0450
  kkarns@uwindsor.ca