Affordable Housing

Town Council

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While still in the early stages, it would appear that the affordable housing project to be located in Port Elgin, will be going through.

Resident, Sunny Cushnie, presented a deputation of concerns to Town Council at Monday's meeting (Apr.27). "Homeowners in the area are concerned about 30 to 40 housing units being jammed onto property that is not adequate. We are concerned that green space is almost non-existent, from the plans that we've seen; there are no sidewalks; there are water sewer and drainage problems; opening up Market Street will create traffic problems."

Mayor Mike Smith explained that the Planning Advisory Commitee (PAC) and consultants had looked at the land in question and decided that it should become residential instead of the industrial that it has been. "The planning is still fairly preliminary but we know we have a huge problem around affordable housing in this community."

"We support affordable housing in the community," said Chushnie, "but growth within a community can't be rushed into.

Susan Earle, Manager of Housing Services for the County of Bruce, said that she was interested in hearing what the neighbours of the property are saying. She went on to explain that the plan was for 35 to 40 units despite the fact that the planner said the property could accommodate 50.

"We are hoping to build 16 to 24 one and two bedroom units at one end with town-home style three and four bedroom units at the other end. Grant Diemert, the Architect is currently working on a design and we don't anticipate any changes to the zoning," Earle pointed out.
 

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27/04/2009 11:34 PM

 "We have also made provision for lots of green space as we know there will be families with children who will need a place to play. We are making sure it is a green development both for the tenants and us, as the landowner. We also hope to provide a 'common' building for events or meetings."

According to Earle, the project is expected to cost $5million with funding hopefully coming from both the Federal and Provincial levels of government. "There are presented 124 applications for affordable housing in Saugeen Shores alone. They range from seniors to families with children, people with disabilities and working people who simply cannot afford to buy their own homes. We see this development as a real mixture of incomes - geared to income, renting at less than market value and renters at market value."

It is anticipated that, if the development goes through, it will create an economic stimulus. "We want this built by a local contractor," said Earle, "and it will employ local caretaking and maintenance staff."

The Housing Corporation maintains over 600 units in Bruce County, although the Port Elgin project would be the first build of its kind. In Saugeen Shores, the Corporation held eight single family dwellings although two have recently been sold.

New Councillor, Taun Frosst, asked if there was a larger need for affordable housing elsewhere in Bruce County. "Definitely," said Earle. "We are seeing people here in Saugeen Shores, in Kincardine and, in Wiarton, the situation is critical. There are people who simply cannot afford the rents that are being asked and, particularly, if the utilities are extra."
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