Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex was presented with a cheque from BK Cornerstone for the purpose of continuing building efforts in Sandwich Towne.

Local developers are calling the multibillion-dollar affordable housing measures in the 2024 federal budget “a good start” but say much work remains before any real impact is felt.

“Higher density is 100 per cent the solution,” Klundert said. “As supply of land is restrained, the demand for available land needs to have higher density on it. The municipalities want that, but the existing infrastructure isn’t always there to handle that higher density.”

"What is the meaning of home?” asks 10-year-old Nina, with her six-year old brother, Gio, and mom, Adriana, by her side. “For our family home means making new memories that will last a lifetime.”

The rapid rise in interest rates that smothered demand for newly built homes also put the brakes on escalating home construction prices last year in the Windsor area.

Windsor is "well within its rights" to refuse to make zoning changes that could make the city eligible for millions in federal housing cash, but experts and advocates say the move could affect the city meeting housing targets and increasing affordability.

Re-zoning applications for new housing are flowing into Windsor City Hall at a record pace, but housing starts are falling way behind targets to provide more housing supply, according to data from the City of Windsor.

BK Cornerstone has built 24 units in the Hive. They're hoping the next project will have over a hundred. They are also in talks with investors to create another project with 300 units creating more urban density.

Powered by a shift to building higher density and more affordable dwellings, the new home construction market in the Windsor area is beginning to show signs of life.

Windsor-Essex Takes HBA of the Year

BK Cornerstone Makes Homebuilding a Family Tradition

“Sam Mroueh has long dreamt of owning a home where his two autistic children can safely live and play. This year, that dream will come true thanks to Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex.”

People around the world have reacted in horror as the events taking place during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are reported in the news, but when local developer Gary Taveirne saw those images, he decided to act.

The Kyiv House in Cottam, Ont. is officially open and the community is celebrating.

An already busy local construction scene won’t be slowing down this spring after Windsor issued building permits valued at over $308 million during the month of February.

A Ontario housing report released Monday estimates Windsor and Essex County will need an additional 30,400 homes by 2031 to wipe out the existing shortage and meet future demand.

“Even if we had all the zoned land and services to allow everyone in this area to double their output next year, we don’t have the trades and the people to do so,” said Klundert, who is also vice-president of BK Cornerstone Design/Build Ltd.

When first proposed five years ago, some questioned the wisdom of any private developer embarking on construction of a hip new luxury residential building for Windsor’s downtown.

The Hive on Pelissier is celebrating the completion of construction.

Klundert said builders are now paying between $250,000 and $300,000 for a 50- to-55 foot wide by 120-foot-deep lot in Comber and Harrow. The costs are even higher closer to Windsor and its suburbs.