Gateway Project Request for Proposals concludes without an award of contract
February 27, 2023
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) has concluded the Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a Design-Builder for the Gateway Project without awarding a contract.
“The high cost of borrowing, labour and construction materials combined with reduced government funding have had a profound impact on the financial viability of housing projects across Canada, including the Gateway Project,” said Jennifer Bisley, Executive Director.
The BMAHC was seeking a Design-Builder to undertake the design and construction of the Gateway Project, a mixed-use attainable housing development proposed at 171 King Street E. in Thornbury. The plan was for construction to be primarily funded through capital grants and financing from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation with the Town contributing land, relief from development fees and charges, and a loan for working capital.
The RFP was issued to four prequalified proponents in June 2022 with the intent to enter an agreement for preliminary design development work based on the proposed design concept. One proposal was received from Buttcon Limited by the revised submission deadline of December 2, 2022. The proposal met all mandatory and technical requirements, but the funding proposal exceeded the stated budget. In accordance with the RFP, Buttcon Limited was invited to commence negotiations to determine options to reduce costs.
“We are disappointed with the outcome,” said Gavin Leitch, BMAHC Chair. “I want to thank Buttcon Limited for their efforts to work with us on a solution, but ultimately, we were unable to make the financial model work.”
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation will be considering its options to proceed with the Gateway Project given the ongoing urgent need for attainable housing in the community.
LEARN MORE
For more information on the Gateway Project, please visit this link.
The public may submit questions by email to info@thebluemountanshousing.ca and make a public comment at a BMAHC Board meeting. For information on Board meetings, please visit this link.
The BMAHC is scheduled to make a deputation at the March 6, 2023, Town of The Blue Mountains Council meeting to provide an update and respond to questions from Council. To see the agenda, please visit this link.
Join us for an Open House
When: Thursday, November 10, 2022, 4PM
Where: The Shed, 4-174 Marsh St., Clarksburg
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation is hosting an Open House as part of our Annual Meeting. Come by to learn more about our initiatives including the Gateway Project. There will be a presentation and an opportunity to meet the team and ask questions.
Everyone is welcome. No registration is required.
Written Submission regarding Bill 23
November 17, 2022
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation made a written submission to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy regarding Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. We commend the province on its efforts to take action to address the housing supply shortage with Bill 23, but the bill falls short in being able to address the unique and diverse housing needs of all communities, particularly those of small urban and rural communities outside of the Greater Golden Horseshoe such as The Blue Mountains. To read our submission, please click on the link below.
Link to Bill 23 Written Submission
Gateway Attainable Housing Project Update
October 14, 2022
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation continues to work diligently to make the Gateway Project a reality and address the growing housing need in the community together with the Town of The Blue Mountains. The deadline for proposals for a Design-Builder for the Gateway Project has been further extended to December 2, 2022, which will allow for the full consideration of proposals during the tenure of the new Council.
To find out more about the Gateway Project and our other initiatives, please join us at The Shed, 174 Marsh St. in Clarksburg on November 10, 2022 at 4PM for an Open House as part of our Annual Meeting. No registration is required.
Call for Board Members
September 6, 2022
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) his seeking applications from members of the public for appointment to the Board of Directors. We currently have a priority for individuals with backgrounds and experience in real estate development and financing, although all individuals are encouraged to apply.
To view this volunteer opportunity and information on how to apply, please click here.
Extension of Deadline for Design-Builder Proposals for the Gateway Project
September 2, 2022
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation has extended the deadline for proposals for a Design-Builder for the Gateway Project to November 1, 2022. The announcement of the selection of a preferred proponent is now scheduled for the week of November 28, 2022. The Request for Proposal can be found on our website at this link and revised schedule in this staff report.
For more information, contact The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation at info@thebluemountainshousing.ca or 519.599.3131 ext.314.
BMAHC issues questions on attainable housing for response by municipal candidates
September 2, 2022
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) has prepared a questionnaire and information sheet for municipal candidates in the upcoming election to learn more about how they will respond to the attainable housing challenge as an elected representative. Responses will be posted on our website as they are received.
Link to the Candidate Questionnaire
Link to the BMAHC Information Sheet
Link to Candidate Responses
Executive Director makes public comment at Special Meeting of Council
August 22, 2022
The Executive Director of The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation mad Agendae a public comment at the August 18, 2022 Special Meeting of Council in relation to agenda items F.2.1 and F.2.2, Councillor Hopes notices of motion of August 9, 2022. Please see the links to the Council meeting agenda and the public comment below.
Agenda - Town of The Blue Mountains Special Meeting of Council, August 18, 2022
RFP for a Design-Builder for the Gateway Project issued
June 20, 2022
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Design-Builder for the Gateway Project on June 17, 2022. The closing date is September 2, 2022. The RFP is by invitation only to companies identified through the earlier Request for Prequalification process. The four companies invited to respond are Buttcon Limited, Matheson Constructors Limited, Percon Construction Inc, and R-Hauz Housing Solutions.
The RFP can be found on our website at this link.
For more information, contact The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation at info@thebluemountainshousing.ca or 519.599.3131 ext.314.
Join us for a BBQ
When: Thursday, May 19, 2022, 5PM-7PM
Where: 171 King St. E, Thornbury
Come by to enjoy some food from the grill and meet the team at The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation. Everyone is welcome.
Join us for a Virtual Community Update
When: Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 5PM-6PM
Join The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation team for an update on our activities and the Gateway Attainable Housing Project. There will be a presentation by the Executive Director followed by a moderated Q+A session.
Registration is required.
To register, complete our contact form. Include your full name, 'Community Update' in the subject line, and 'Register' in the message section. You can also include questions for response during the session. The session will be recorded and available on the website. If you are unable to attend, you can still send in questions for response through the contact form.
The deadline to register and to submit advance questions is 2PM, Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Registered participants will be sent an access link on the day of the event. You will be able to join by video or phone.
Notice of office closure April 11-18, 2022
April 7, 2022
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation would like to inform the public that the office will be closed April 11-18, 2022. Staff will not be available during this period.
Notice of work being carried out at 171 King Street East, Thornbury
March 31, 2022
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation would like to inform the public that McIntosh Perry will be conducting work at 171 King Street E. Thornbury on April 1, 2022 as part of the Phase Two Environmental Site Assessment for the Gateway Project.
This notice is for information purposes only. There is no impact to the public.
As background, Environmental Site Assessments are conducted to meet regulatory requirements and as part of environmental due diligence. A Phase One assessment is more theoretical and used to determine any potential issues that may affect the site based on reviewing the current and historic uses of the property and the surrounding area. The purpose of Phase Two Environmental Site Assessments is to determine if any issues exist with the property and to what extent.
The Phase One Environmental Site Assessment was completed for the site by McIntosh Perry and a Phase Two assessment was recommended. The Phase Two assessment to investigate and test soil and groundwater conditions in specific areas on the site is underway and will include borehole drilling, monitoring well installation and sampling.
Check out the March 3 2022 Gateway Project update or our Gateway Project page for more information.
BMAHC Hosting Public Webinar Thursday October 28 2021
October 25 2021
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) will be hosting a public webinar on Thursday October 28, 2021 from 4p.m. to 6p.m. regarding our request for the towns co-investment into the Gateway Site project.
To view the BMAHC Presentation please click here.
To view the recording of the public webinar please click here.
To view a summary chart of the questions asked, please click here.
Call for Appointment BMAHC Board of Directors
October 8 2021
One (1) vacant position
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) is seeking applications in the form of letters of interest and resumes from members of the public for appointment to The Attainable Housing Corporation Board of Directors.
The Board’s composition is a 9-member volunteer Board of Directors, of which 8 Directors have been previously appointed. The Board is currently seeking to fill the remaining vacancy with a volunteer who is willing to share their real estate development and financial experience and their passion to address the housing market affordability gap for the growing and underserved middle-income families and individuals in our community.
In the letters of interest and resumes, applicants are encouraged to include background information and any special qualifications or interest related to attainable housing. The Attainable Housing Corporation is seeking an individual with a financial background, although all interested individuals are encouraged to apply. Previous applicants will also be reconsidered at this time. Successful applicants should be prepared to participate in daytime and evening meetings at least once monthly and commit enough time to read meeting materials in advance of the meeting.
For additional information regarding the Attainable Housing Corporation, please visit The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation website: https://www.thebluemountainshousing.ca or email attainablehousing@thebluemountains.ca
All Applications should be submitted no later than Monday November 1, 2021 at 1:00 pm to: The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation Attention: Attainable Housing Corporation Melissa Pollock Admin Assistant, Chair Robert Sampson
32 Mill Street, PO Box 310 Thornbury, Ontario N0H 2P0 Contact Attainable Housing
To view the posting, click here.
BMAHC Announces New Executive Director
October 7 2021
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Bisley as the Corporation’s new Executive Director, effective November 8, 2021.
To read the full Media Notice, click here.
Chair, BMAHC Board Announces Departure of Executive Director
June 23 2021
Rob Sampson, Chair of The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation, today announced the departure of Sharon McCormick, Executive Director, on July 9, 2021.
To read the full Media Notice, click here.
BMAHC Presents Three Year Budget
March 3 2021
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) will be presenting its three-year operating and preliminary capital budget during the next Town of The Blue Mountains Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for March 9, 2021.
Notice - BMAHC Presents Three Year Budget 2021-2023
Town Hall Attainable Housing in The Blue Mountains
October 27 2020
The Blue Mountains Ratepayers Association and The Forum hosted a Town Hall to provide an update to their members on attainable housing in The Blue Mountains. BMAHC Chair of the Board and Executive Director laid out the BMAHC attainable housing strategy, provided an update on development projects and shared how you can stay informed and engage as the creation of housing progresses.
To watch the livestreamed event, click here or to view the presentation in pdf form, click here.
Call for Appointment BMAHC Board of Directors
One (1) vacant position
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) is seeking applications in the form of letters of interest and resumes from members of the public for appointment to BMAHC Board of Directors.
The Board’s composition is a 9-member volunteer Board of Directors, of which 8 Directors have been previously appointed. The Board is currently seeking to fill the remaining vacancy with a person in this volunteer role who is willing to share their real estate development experience and passion to address the housing market affordability gap for the growing and underserved middle income families and individuals in our community.
In the letters of interest and resumes, applicants are encouraged to include background information and any special qualifications or interest related to attainable housing. BMAHC is seeking candidates preferably with experience in multi-family residential construction or development experience however, all interested individuals are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants should be prepared to participate in daytime and evening meetings at least once monthly and commit enough time to read meeting materials in advance of the meeting.
For additional information regarding The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation go to https://www.thebluemountainshousing.ca/
All Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, October 23, 2020 at 1:00 pm to:
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
Attention: Executive Director
32 Mill Street, PO Box 310
Thornbury, Ontario N0H 2P0
Housing Matters Issue September 2020
We are excited to have launched our electronic newsletter this month. To stay up to date on the news from The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing, go to our September 2020 issue of Housing Matters.
To subscribe to the e-newsletter, click here.
Call for Evaluation Team Member for Builder Procurement
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) is seeking applications in the form of a letter of interest and resume, from residents of the town of The Blue Mountains for appointment to the Builder Procurement Evaluation Team with BMAHC.
The Evaluation Team is being established to review and evaluate submissions for design and building of attainable housing on the Gateway site at 171 King St E in Thornbury. This role will be responsible to work together as part of the Evaluation Team reviewing and assessing submissions received in response to the design builder procurement and evaluating those submissions in accordance with the identified scoring methodology. The Evaluation Team will be comprised of representatives from the Board and staff from BMAHC and Town. The Board is currently seeking 1 member of the public who is a resident in the town of The Blue Mountains.
In their letter of interest and resume, applicants are encouraged to include background information and any special qualifications or interest related to attainable housing. BMAHC is seeking candidates preferably with experience in business management, finance, real estate development, or communications however, all interested individuals are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants should be prepared to participate in day-time meetings and commit enough time to read and review materials in advance of Team meetings.
All Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, September 18, 2020 at 1:00 pm to:
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
Attention: Executive Director
32 Mill Street, PO Box 310
Thornbury, Ontario N0H 2P0
Attainable Housing Gateway Site Planning Process Update
On Monday, June 29, 2020 the Town of The Blue Mountains Council began the formal planning and public consultation process for the Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (BMAHC) Gateway Site located at 171 King Street East in Thornbury. A final decision has not been made regarding changes to zoning or the official plan criteria for this site.
June 29, 2020 - Notice - Attainable Housing Gateway Site Planning Process Update
Citizens' Forum Attainable Housing Project Update Presentation June 2020
Board Chair Rob Sampson and Executive Director Sharon McCormick were invited to the Citizens' Forum in the Town of the Blue Mountains to present an update on the Gateway site attainable housing project. Click the link below to view the presentation.
June 23, 2020 - Citizens' Forum Gateway Site Attainable Housing Update
Sharon McCormick Hired as Executive Director of the Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
As Executive Director, Sharon will oversee management responsibilities of the BMAHC while providing strategic leadership to support the creation of attainable housing opportunities in The Blue Mountains.
January 31, 2020 - Sharon McCormick hired as Executive Director Press Release
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation Request for Information for Development of Attainable Housing in The Blue Mountains
The Town of The Blue Mountains, through the Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (“BMAHC”), has initiated the process to go to market for information related to the development of attainable and sustainable rental and ownership units in The Blue Mountains. Additional details are available in the documents and links below:
Attainable Housing Corporation Press Release
The Town of the Blue Mountains Press Release
Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation Conceptual Business Model
Conceptual Business Model, June 2019