Habitat for Humanity Land Donation

About the Project

At its January 21, 2026 Regular Council Meeting, Township Council approved the donation of a municipally owned lands on Bethune Avenue in Long Sault to Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties. The lands were declared surplus and will be used to support the construction of two semi-detached homes, creating safe and affordable housing opportunities for four partner families from South Stormont.

This project reflects the Township of South Stormont’s ongoing commitment to working with community partners to expand housing options and support residents at different stages of life and income levels.

What Is Being Proposed

The proposed development is located on the west side of Bethune Avenue. The selected area is located on the periphery of Arnold Bethune Park between the OPP Identification Unit and Long Sault Pentecostal Church.

The selected area is underutilized lands that is seldomly used for park programming. The site represents approximately 0.3 acres, or 1.36% of the overall park area and is well suited for low-density residential development with direct access to existing municipal services without impacting recreational program space.

The project includes:

• Two semi-detached residential buildings
• Four total dwelling units
• Housing for four partner families selected through Habitat for Humanity’s established program

The lands are designated for residential use under the SDG Counties’ Official Plan. A zoning by-law amendment will be required to change the zoning from Open Space to Residential Serviced Second to allow the development to proceed. This is a necessary statutory step to advance the project that will be presented to Council where the public will have the opportunity to provide additional commentary.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization that works with families in need to provide safe, decent, and affordable homes. Homes are not given away. Partner families purchase their homes at fair market value and repay an interest-free, income-geared mortgage that is never more than 30 percent of their household income. Mortgage payments are reinvested into future builds, helping support additional families in the community.

Habitat for Humanity has a long history of partnership with the Township of South Stormont, including the successful completion of a Habitat homes in St. Andrews West in 2010 and a more recent build in Ingleside in 2024.

Why This Project Matters

This initiative supports the Township’s Strategic Action Plan by:

• Increasing the mix of available housing options
• Supporting affordability and long-term housing stability
• Strengthening partnerships with community organizations
• Making efficient use of existing municipal infrastructure

The location was carefully reviewed to ensure compatibility with surrounding residential uses and proximity to schools, services, places of worship, and recreational spaces.

Public Information Session

Residents are invited to learn more about the proposed Habitat for Humanity development and share their feedback at an upcoming Public Information Session prior to the statutory public meeting:

Thursday, March 26, 2026

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Location: South Stormont Community Hall, 2 Mille Roches Road, Long Sault

Members of Township Council, staff, and representatives from Habitat for Humanity will be available to:

• Provide an overview of the project
• Answer questions
• Garner community feedback (verbal and written)

Have Your Say

Community input is an important part of this process. Residents are encouraged to review the project information, attend the Public Information Session, and share comments or questions. Feedback received will help inform next steps as the project moves forward.

Additional project updates and opportunities for engagement will be posted on this page as they become available.