Affordable Housing Seed Funding Program
The Affordable Housing Seed Funding Program can provide a grant to assist with the planning costs of building a new affordable housing project.
Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Site surveys
- Planning fees
- Preliminary design
- Project viability study
- Environmental site assessments
- Geotechnical reports
- Energy modelling study
- Accessibility modelling study
Mandatory Minimum Requirements
Minimum requirements include, but are not limited to affordability, economic sustainability and housing for those in greatest need.
- Proposed rents must be affordable (at or below 80% of the Average Market Rents)
- Must have a minimum of five affordable housing units
- Primary use must be residential
- Project must be located in Lambton County
- Proponents must be a non-profit agency
Eligible project types include:
- Community and affordable housing
- Mixed-used market / affordable rental
- Supportive housing
- Conversion of non-residential buildings to affordable multi-residential
Advances will be processed once invoices are provided, activities are completed and supporting documentation is received.
Expenses/costs related to eligible activities carried out prior to the approval date of the Seed Funding are not eligible.
How to apply
Please note: Funding for the Affordable Housing Seed Funding Program has been fully depleted and is no longer available at this time.
Applications and supporting documentation are to be submitted to Melisa Johnson, Manager, Housing Services, by email through the link below. If your required documents exceed the maximum attachment limit, please send two separate emails.
Email Melisa Johnson
The application is in a fillable PDF format and can be downloaded through the link below.
Required documents include:
- Completed application form
- Proof of non-profit status
- Financial statements for the most recent fiscal year
- Deed/Letter of Agreement to purchase land, if applicable
- Capital budget
- Operating budget, if available
- Anticipated funding sources
Funding Updates
The Seed Funding Program has allocated $1.3 million to seven projects, anticipating the creation of approximately 250 new units. Below is a list of the projects that have received funding, along with a brief update on the progress (as of November 2025):
| Project Lead | Size (Estimated Units) | Funding Amount | Project Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander Mackenzie Housing Co-operative | 20 | $200,000 |
|
| Arkona Lions NonProfit Housing | 12-15 | $200,000 |
|
| Habitat for Humanity Sarnia/Lambton | 5 | $100,000 |
|
| The Inn of the Good Shepherd | 62 | $200,000 |
|
| Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church | 45 | $200,000 |
|
| Vision '74 Inc. | 85 | $200,000 |
|
| Women's Interval Home | 20 | $200,000 |
|
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