Up to a maximum of $200,000 per project.
Affordable Housing Seed Funding Program
The Affordable Housing Seed Funding Program is a grant opportunity to assist with the planning costs of building a new affordable housing project.
How to Apply
Applications and supporting documentation are to be submitted to Melisa Johnson, Manager, Housing Services. Additional information can be found below.
Eligible activities may include, but 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
-
Must have accessed upper-level of government seed funding programs, if available, prior to accessing is program.
-
Community and affordable housing
-
Mixed-used market / affordable rental
-
Supportive housing
-
Conversion of non-residential buildings to affordable multi-residential
-
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
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.
Program Projects
To date, 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 |
|
Sign up for our Emails
Stay up to date on the County's activities, events, programs, and operations by subscribing to emails from us.