Town Council

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Susan Earle of Bruce County Housing Services and Leah Andrews, County Planner, brought an informational Long Term Housing Strategy to Saugeen Shores Town Council on Monday, January 10^th.

The Strategy looks at Bruce County in four areas: Lakeshore, Peninsula, Inland and First Nations.  Of the four, the Lakeshore has the largest population and the highest growth.

As a result, it was determined that of all the areas, the Lakeshore has the highest demand for affordable housing.  “Major concerns persist regarding the lack of affordable housing and limited support services,” said Earl.  "There is currently a waiting list of some 360 in the region where the vacancy rate is almost zero per cent and almost 40 per cent of the population is struggling.  The waiting list has increased by 50% in the past five years.”

According to the Long Term Strategy, there will 445 units constructed over the next 10 years but that is not expected to meet the need that will also continue to grow.

The Strategy explains that the senior sector continues to grow faster than any other, Bruce Power activity exerts pressure on the local housing market, service and tourism sectors with part-time employment creates a demand for affordable housing and the overall lack of support services continue to influence the housing market, both rental and ownership based.

Rents for many have become prohibitive with, again, the Lakeshore region demanding the highest rents of all the regions studied.  Of households studied, three per cent earn less than $12,000/yr., 11% earn from $12 to $24,000; 10% from $24 to $36,000 and 64% earn over $48,000.  While the standard cost of housing is set at 30% of income, many are spending more than 50% of income on housing.

Several strategic actions have been determined, based on community feedback and housing forums,  that require immediate action:

• Distribute and promote the Long Term Strategy to local municipalities, private sector and key community partners

• Use a diverse range of media, including social networking

• Establish  a YIMBY (Yes, in my back yard) team to broaden public education and support affordable housing initiatives

• Establish regular and ongoing dialogue among community housing partners, including private and not-for-profit

• Expand current rent supplement program by funding 10 municipal rent supplement annually

• Implement a common definition of affordable housing

• Eliminate zoning barriers that restrict affordable housing development

• Develop an asset management plan for Bruce County Housing Corporation (BCHC)

Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock said that the strategy is a great idea but, “…we have trouble making it work … we have set aside a lot of space for high density sub-divisions of lower income housing and then the values go up.”

“We are planning to meet with developers,” said Andrews, “to see how they can help.  We also hope there will be more ‘incentive’ money for developments such as the Irvine Drive project.”

Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau asked if older buildings could be converted to housing.  “Maybe people have private structures that could be converted into multi-unit projects.”

According to Earle, in Saugeen Shores the new development at Market St. N., will provide 28 apartment units, three townhouse units and the private developer on Irvine provided 12 units.  “These numbers will not impact the waiting list.  Priority is based on date of application or the need for special priority, such as women in abusive situations.”

Councilor Taun Frosst asked where.   the people who are currently on the waiting list are now living.

"Most are living with other family members," Earle replied.  "They also live in other communities that are not as expensive and some are living in places they actually cannot afford and are struggling every day."

Earle also explained that while Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has funds available for renovations, there are no tax breaks or incentives from upper levels of government to encourage developers to build affordable housing.

Although the current housing market appears bleak, Andrews did say that mixed-use buildiings are a healthy way to build and that a builders' forum is anticipated and the questionwill be asked as to why it [mixed-use] is not being done. "We also have to develop partnerships with municipalities, landlords, builders and developers, non-profit, lending institutions and volunteers.  We are also going to monitor actions through a 'report card' produced annually." 

For more information, go to www.brucecounty.on.ca

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011