Stephen Dasko

This collaboration represents a new way forward – linking municipal leadership, non-profit innovation and private-sector participation to expand access to affordable home ownership and strengthen the City’s housing system.

Kick-starting the partnership: Five new affordable homes

As the first step in this new partnership, Habitat HMD and the City of Mississauga are announcing the creation of five deeply affordable home ownership units at Edenshaw’s Alba development, located near the Cooksville GO Station.

To secure these homes, the City identified the opportunity and used a $1.08 million community benefits contribution from Edenshaw to facilitate Habitat HMD’s discounted purchase of the units. Habitat HMD will ensure that these homes remain affordable for the long-term.

Using public-private collaboration to accelerate affordable home ownership

This “first of its kind” partnership for Mississauga will connect non-profit providers like Habitat HMD with community-minded developers who may have unsold market units close to completion. Through this innovative model, more affordable home ownership opportunities can be delivered quickly – without requiring new land or lengthy construction timelines.

Developers or non-profits interested in learning more about this model and supporting the City’s efforts can contact housing@mississauga.ca.

Habitat’s model: Empowering families through affordable home ownership

Habitat HMD’s affordable home ownership model offers a hand up, not a handout. Families benefit from an affordable mortgage tailored to their income, with a secondary mortgage provided by Habitat HMD covering the difference between the discounted purchase price and fair market value, including a buy-back provision to ensure the units stay affordable in perpetuity.

This approach ensures that no family initially allocates more than 30 per cent of their income toward housing costs – enabling them to save, invest in education and plan for the future with greater peace of mind.

Habitat’s model has a proven track record across Canada. After moving into their Habitat homes, families see household incomes rise 28 per cent higher than comparable renters, while health, education, and employment outcomes improve significantly. The result is an estimated $35 million in annual economic uplift compared to renting.

Habitat HMD bridges the gap for families who aspire to home ownership but are hindered by unaffordable market prices. The organization prioritizes families who are willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours in the community, and are currently living in unsafe, unhealthy, or inadequate housing.

Visit Habitat HMD’s apply for a home webpage to learn more or apply for these units.

Background

This innovative partnership is part of the City’s efforts to make housing more affordable in Mississauga. Despite the ongoing housing market slowdown, the City has made significant strides since the Mayor’s Housing Task Force report was released in January 2025. This includes becoming one of the first municipalities in Ontario to reduce and/or eliminate development charges for residential housing.

Other actions to improve access to affordable housing include:

• The City’s $44 million affordable rental housing incentive program, made possible through federal funding, offers financial incentives to help stimulate the creation of new affordable rental housing. The application window for the second round of funding is open until February 13, 2026.
• The City’s gentle density incentive program is making it less expensive to build additional residential units and fourplexes by providing grants to cover city fees and development charges (if applicable). To date, more than $300,000 in grants have been awarded with an additional $700,000 in grants expected in the coming months. The City also offers pre-approved garden suite design plans that residents can use free of charge.
• Mississauga’s Inclusionary Zoning by-law helps increase affordable housing in the City by requiring affordable housing units in large developments located in major transit station areas.
• The City has lowered costs for those building affordable housing units by reducing and/or eliminating application and parking fees for affordable and non-profit housing providers.
• The City is reviewing opportunities to optimize city-owned facilities to find innovative ways to building housing on city property.

The Region of Peel oversees the affordable housing system in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. Visit housing and social support for information about the Region of Peel’s services.

Quotes

“Affordable home ownership is essential to a healthy and inclusive city. To tackle the housing affordability crisis, we must be willing to challenge the status quo. That means thinking creatively and trying new ideas. Partnering with Habitat HMD and developers like Edenshaw, is another way we can help more residents achieve their dream of owning a home right here in Mississauga.” – Carolyn Parrish, Mayor, City of Mississauga

“Housing affordability requires new ways of thinking and genuine collaboration. This partnership demonstrates that by coming together, we can deliver tangible solutions for families and create a more balanced housing system. We’re honoured to see the City of Mississauga and Edenshaw play a role in helping local families keep the dream of home ownership alive.” – Eden Grodzinski, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin

At Edenshaw, we believe every development should strengthen the community it’s built in. We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity HMD and the City of Mississauga to help build strong communities and create opportunities for all homeowners to connect and succeed, while playing a role in making home ownership more accessible. – Oscar Piovesan, Chief Operating Officer, Edenshaw Developments Limited

About Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin

Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin (Habitat HMD) is part of the renowned global Habitat for Humanity network, recognized for its commitment to mobilizing community resources to provide safe and decent homes for families in need. Since its inception in 1999, Habitat HMD has completed 92 affordable housing units—including 74 units for families living in the Halton Region, City of Mississauga, and Dufferin County, as well as 18 tiny homes for Indigenous communities and as accessory residential units.

Habitat’s unique housing model offers a pathway to home ownership, filling a critical gap in the housing continuum. The organization is dedicated to addressing Canada’s housing crisis and aims to transform more lives by delivering a minimum of 130 new housing units to partner families between 2022 and 2032.

About Edenshaw Developments

Founded in 2009, by President and CEO David McComb, Edenshaw Developments Limited is a leading real estate developer committed to creating innovative and elevated mixed-use residential communities. With a focus on design excellence, sustainability and craftsmanship. Edenshaw is dedicated to building not just homes, but lasting communities where people can live, grow and belong.