Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, in collaboration with local developers and a wide-range of community partners, has launched “BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region,” a community-led partnership with the aim to deliver affordable housing to the Region of Waterloo.

According to a release, the initiative committed to building 10,000 units of missing middle housing back in 2023.

On December 2, 2024, City of Waterloo Council voted unanimously to identify Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region through their BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region initiative as the preferred proponent to develop 25-acres of vacant land at 2025 University Avenue East, at the corner of University Ave East and Millennium Boulevard, to build 1,000 homes.

“Selecting a potential partner for this landmark City project is an exciting and momentous step forward,” said Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “A year ago, we received our federal Housing Accelerator Fund grant, and six months ago, we identified this property as a suitable location. We’re thrilled to be at the point of negotiating with a potential development group to bring the site to life.”