About the housing land bank
The City of Wrenford keeps a list of City-owned properties called the Housing Land Bank. We offer these properties at below-market rates to help developers build affordable, supportive, transitional, and mixed-income housing. This programme is guided by the Affordable Housing Lands Policy, updated by Council on August 20, 2026, and governed by By-law 2026-061.
If a property in the land bank has an appraised value of $75,000 or less, you may buy or lease it for $1.00. This fast-track option applies to recognized community land trusts and eligible housing providers. You do not need a public bidding process or full Council approval for these sales. To protect the community, all transfers come with development conditions. Successful applicants must provide financial guarantees and build the housing within a set timeframe.
Who can apply
We review applications based on a priority system. Properties are offered to the highest priority group first. If no one from that group applies, we move to the next tier.
- Tier 1: Community land trusts
- Tier 2: Non-profit housing developers and builders, social enterprises
- Tier 3: For-profit builders and developers, for-profit rent-to-own programmes
- Tier 4: Neighbourhood side-lot programme applicants (Northgate and Benchlands wards only)
Sometimes a property is needed for a specific purpose. In those cases, the City may offer it to a select tier only. For regular market-rate purchases of other City land, contact our Real Estate team.
Available properties
The City currently holds eight vacant lots in the land bank. We add new properties regularly. The table below shows what is available right now.
| Street Address | Land Use | Zoning | Lot Frontage (m) | Lot Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 Mill Street | Vacant Lot | RU & PIA | 14.63 | 548.2 |
| 305 Water Street | Vacant Lot | RL | 9.14 | 362.1 |
| 410 Albert Street | Vacant Lot | RU | 9.14 | 358.0 |
| 550 Fallsview Road | Vacant Lot | RU & PIA | 10.06 | 405.5 |
| 720 Market Square | Vacant Lot | RU | 12.19 | 445.4 |
| 880 Church Street | Vacant Lot | RU | 9.14 | 358.0 |
| 940 Victoria Street | Vacant Lot | RL & PIA | 10.06 | 405.5 |
| 1025 Tamsin Street | Vacant Lot | RU | 9.14 | 358.0 |
This list updates as new properties are added. Email [email protected] to get notified of changes.
How to apply
You apply through a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The Housing Land Bank Review Committee, made up of City staff and community representatives, reviews all submissions and makes recommendations to Council.
There are four intake periods each year. The deadline for the current intake is November 15, 2026.
Choose the correct EOI form for your group:
- EOI Form for Recognized Community Land Trusts
- EOI Form for Eligible Housing Providers, Social Enterprises & Start-up Entities
- EOI Form for the Neighbourhood Side-Lot Programme
If you want to join the review committee, contact the Housing team. Organisations with committee members cannot receive property.
Contact us
Have questions about the process, zoning, or your application? Reach out to the Housing team.
Housing Programs Coordinator
Colin Ashby
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-555-0100
Address: Room 202, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1