Development
Advancing housing projects from idea to move-in
We help our clients navigate the development process to build affordable housing and social purpose real estate to serve a wide range of incomes, seniors, people with disabilities, Indigenous communities, and others.
Our Development Practice Services
Assessing housing development potential
Our comprehensive feasibility studies help non-profit housing providers assess whether their affordable housing development project is viable and achievable. Our feasibility work includes initial project visioning, developing site selection criteria or a site due diligence review, reviewing required entitlements processes, assisting with selecting key consultants such as architects, detailed financial pro forma analysis, and developing a funding and financing strategy. These studies provide our clients with the tools to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the proposed development.
Supporting non-profit housing and social purpose real estate projects
We support non-profit housing providers in developing affordable housing and social purpose real estate projects, from shelters and transitional housing to mixed-income and mixed-use developments. Our expertise spans conducting feasibility studies, navigating the entitlements and approvals process, retaining other consultants, securing funding and partnerships, monitoring construction, and undertaking project management from the initial visioning stage all the way through to occupancy to bring housing concepts to reality. We coordinate all aspects of the project’s development from start to finish, working closely with the owner, architect, funders, and other key professionals and suppliers.
Unlocking development potential with land use planning services
We provide land use planning services to help our affordable housing development projects move through the entitlements process. Our in-house planning team is embedded in our affordable housing development teams. Together, we support our clients in navigating the approvals process, including preparing and submitting required planning applications to unlock the development potential of their sites.
Promoting housing provider growth and resilience
We help non-profit housing providers assess and optimize their housing portfolios. Whether expanding, redeveloping, or repositioning assets, we develop long-term strategies that enhance financial sustainability, improve housing quality, and meet evolving community needs. This could include exploring a new housing model or understanding the potential for growth.
Enhancing housing provider governance and operations
We conduct in-depth operational reviews of non-profit housing organizations, assessing governance, financial health, and service delivery. Our insights help organizations strengthen operations, enhance efficiency, and position themselves for long-term sustainability and growth.
Success stories
New Affordable Housing for Indigenous Families in Toronto
SHS is working with Wigwamen Incorporated to expand its affordable housing portfolio. At 525 Markham Road, a new six-story building will be constructed, adding 62 affordable units for Indigenous households.
This project, supported by funding from the City of Toronto and the federal government, will also feature community spaces, contributing to Toronto’s affordable housing objectives.
Supporting Indigenous Housing Development in North
SHS collaborated with the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre to create a 30-unit transitional housing project, Suswin Village, designed for Indigenous individuals in the area.
The project features a geothermal system for energy efficiency and navigated challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately providing safe housing for its residents.
Expanding Affordable Housing in Durham Region
SHS collaborated with the Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation (DRNPHC) to facilitate the creation of more than 150 affordable housing units across four projects.
This includes the Normandy project, which offers affordable rental and ownership options for women and children, along with other initiatives that provide housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Links
News and information from around the web.
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North Bay’s Suswin Village celebrated for architectural excellence
North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre
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Federal government supports over 60 rapid housing units in Toronto
Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes
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New affordable home development opens in Oshawa, welcoming 50 families
Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Work with us
We are always interested in conversations and collaborations with others in the housing space.
Let’s talk about how we might work together!