Sarnia council will consider waiving development charges for a Habitat for Humanity project during its meeting Monday.
Mayor Mike Bradley says city staff are recommending against the waiver and do not favour providing a municipal grant to offset costs.
"I don't support that recommendation. The city has a role to play in providing affordable housing," he says. "Habitat for Humanity, in this community over the last 20 to 30 years has a tremendous record of success. As part of our strategic plan, it is noted our role in housing.
"I do support that we should have an offsetting grant without waiving the fees which would allow Habitat for Humanity to move forward."
Over $14,000 would be needed to fully offset development charges for two single detached dwellings at 774 Devine St.
"In the past, council has never waived the development fees because it would open up that for many other groups, and there's a real case to be made it's not legal," says Bradley.
The Development Charges Reserve has $9.3-million in it with commitments totalling $2-million for 2016 projects including wastewater management.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that organizes volunteers and community partners to build affordable housing and promote homeownership.
