In response to Westlock Town Council's directive at the July 10, 2023 meeting, we are committed to implementing immediate and long-term housing solutions through a series of initiatives developed by Town administration.
The Housing Action Plan consists of several initiatives, including the Residential Development Incentive Program, which offers financial incentives for select housing types in key areas of Westlock. The Secondary, Garden and Garage Suite Program encourages the development of secondary units in high-impact areas, supported by bylaw amendments and targeted financial grants. Additionally, the Aspendale Area Structure Plan will unlock future residential development opportunities in the Aspendale neighbourhood, and the Southview Residential Subdivision Project will integrate new residential lots into an existing community.
There's a significant amount of work ahead of us, we invite you to follow our
housing progress as we celebrate each milestone.
Pre-approved building plans
The Town of Westlock is happy to announce that pre-approved building plans for new residential homes, garden, and garage suites are now available for licensing at a one-time fee through the Planning and Development Department, marking another milestone in the Westlock Housing Action Plan. This significant step supports the continued momentum of the Town's strategic initiatives to address housing needs. With a variety of styles and floorplans, there are many plans to choose from: four (4) single detached, two (2) semi-detached, one (1) row-housing, and two (2) each for garage and garden suites.
The availability of pre-approved plans will make it easier for residents, builders, and contractors to access high-quality construction options and will streamline the development process. These plans can be used with the Residential Development and Rental Suite Incentive Programs.
Southview Subdivision Groundbreaking
The Town of Westlock is excited to announce the groundbreaking of the Southview Subdivision Project. This development project is intended to address the urgent need for residential lots in the community.
The subdivision will integrate ten (10) new lots within the existing residential community of Southview, enhancing connectivity and providing a cohesive living environment for residents. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of the required infrastructure improvements for the project, including the extension of 99 Avenue and 93 Street.
The first lots are anticipated to be available for pre-sale in fall 2024.
Key highlights of the Southview Subdivision Project:
Prime Location: Offering an ideal setting for residential development, with easy access to Highway 44, and in close proximity to the Westlock Healthcare Centre, parks, the Rotary Trail, Community Garden, and schools.
Project Objective: Addressing the shortage of available lots through strategic infrastructure investment and subdivision and improving existing neighbourhood connectivity.
Project History: The land for the subdivision was purchased by the Town in the summer of 2023. Earlier in July, the project also received rezoning and subdivision approval by Town Council and the Municipal Planning Commission, respectively.
Pre-Sale Availability: Lots are anticipated to be available for pre-sale in fall 2024.
9819 105 Street Rental Property (anticipated completion date 2025)
The Town of Westlock is happy to announce the approval of a new rental property development located at 9819 105 Street. This 15,000-square-foot vacant lot, situated along Highway 18 and 105 Street, has remained undeveloped since 2011 and is now set for a transformation into stacked row housing featuring eight units, led by TBT Investment Corporation. The property underwent a rezoning to R2 (Medium Density Residential) in 2020, which set the stage for this new development.
We extend a warm welcome to TBT Investment Corporation and New Phase Developments to Westlock and are excited for this project as a tangible step forward in our Housing Action Plan. The $2.5 million project will include four three-bedroom and four one-bedroom units, with onsite parking and garbage collection and is conveniently located providing quick access to downtown, schools, the library, and various services. TBT Investment Corporation acquired this lot through a private land sale on the open market. As part of the Town’s review of this project, the existing infrastructure and services were carefully assessed and confirmed to be capable of supporting this new development. The project has an anticipated completion date of 2025.
Residential Development Incentive Program & Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw
On April 22, the Town of Westlock Council adopted a Residential Development Grants Policy and a Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw.
These created a New Construction grant stream offering $15,000 per unit for the construction of up to 4 units per property as well as a one-time tax cancellation of up to $5,000 per new housing unit in the year following occupancy. These programs are fully funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund.
Applications are now closed for 2024 for our New Home grant. Funding from this grant will be available annually through 2028.
Secondary, Garden, & Garage Suite Program
On April 22, the Town of Westlock Council adopted a Residential Development Grants Policy that included a grant stream for secondary, garage and garden suites. This stream offers a $10,000 per suite grant for new suites or existing non-permitted suites which are brought up to code. This program is fully funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund.
On May 10, the Town of Westlock Council passed amendments to the Town's Land Use Bylaw, which will improve the application process and provide surety for those adding a suite to an R1 (Low-Density Residential District) zoned property.
Applications are now closed for 2024 for our Suite grant. Funding from this grant will be available annually through 2028.
Housing Accelerator Fund
The 2022 Federal Budget provided $4 billion in funding in order to launch the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to accelerate housing development across Canada. The Fund was an application-based program, overseen by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) with a single application window in 2023. The Town of Westlock submitted its application in August 2023 and was awarded $1.1 million in funding in early 2024 to use towards its Housing Action Plan initiatives.
Westlock’s Housing Action Plan
The Housing Action Plan was developed by Town administration to address the town's unique housing needs and context, it targets both immediate supply concerns and long-term housing system improvements, and fitting within a 3-year execution timeline. Westlock Town Council endorsed the Housing Action Plan on July 10, 2023.