Tecumseh's 'tremendous leadership' helped secure $4.4M in federal funds for housing, MP says

Windsor—Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk says the Town of Tecumseh, Ont., showed "tremendous leadership" in helping it secure $4.4 million in federal funding announced Monday, including for fast-track housing.

The town said it's now moving forward to develop 137 housing units over the next three years thanks to the money it'll receive under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)..

In helping make the announcement, Kusmierczyk said the municipality was one of 70 successful communities because of its flexible plan allowing for a diverse mix of residences.

"Fourplexes for example, mid-rise apartments on commercial and commercial areas … you think about Manning Road, you think about the mid-rise apartments here on Tecumseh Road that are revitalizing the entire corridor," said Kusmierczyk. 

"You're building walkable, livable communities and you're getting that gentle density that is required for that."

It's estimated the federal funding will also help build more than 5,800 homes over the next decade, according to a government statement.

Kusmierczyk commended the town for its ambitious goals.

"We're celebrating, obviously, the Town of Tecumseh's tremendous leadership, great ambitious program and success in partnering with the federal government to get more housing built in our community."

The town, with a population of over 23,000, had originally applied for $7.8 million for 267 units, which was adjusted down by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The deal is meant to reduce development fees and red tape around zoning bylaws for medium-density, duplexes, townhouses and multiplexes.

Unlike the City of Windsor, Tecumseh's successful bid to access federal dollars allows for four housing units in all low-density districts.

"The town will ensure that Tecumseh has more of the kind of homes we need to tackle the housing crisis," said federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser.

Tecumseh's mayor said he's "thrilled" the funding will help give residents "the spaces they need to live, grow and call home."

"A thousand folks a month are coming into the region," said Gary McNamara. 

"We have to be ready and, if we're ever going to meet the challenges of getting price points out of affordability, we got to make sure that the supply of those houses are there to meet the demand." 

When asked by reporters why he believes the town's application worked, McNamara said it was because it created a diversity of housing and the ability for people to have a roof over their heads and own their own homes.

"Change is the hardest thing. Once you get beyond change and understand that the status quo doesn't work anymore, when you look at housing in itself, that whole affordability piece is a … critical point for us."

WATCH | Canada's housing minister weighs in on Windsor being denied federal funding: 

Housing minister weighs in as Windsor is denied $70M in housing money

1 year ago

Duration 3:24

Windsor's application for as much as $70 million in federal housing money was denied, with housing minister Sean Fraser saying Windsor's application didn't meet the 'ambitious' standard other cities set. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said in response he refuses to 'compromise' neighbourhoods. The CBC's Chris Ensing speaks with Fraser about what comes next in the wake of the decision.

Windsor's bid was rejected based on its refusal to allow four units and four storeys on all residential lots.

"Does not work for our city," Mayor Drew Dilkens previously said.

"I refuse to compromise our neighbourhoods and to do away with fair public consultation with our residents in exchange for uncertain funding that will be tied to sacrificing the makeup of our communities."