|
Terry Sanderson , Director of Social Services for
Bruce County
There
is almost no affordable housing for low to middle income earners,
Saugeen Shores Council heard Monday night.
Terry Sanderson, Director of Social Services in Bruce County, told
Council that, "People are struggling to find affordable accommodation.
There just isn't any, especially along the shoreline. There are 260 on
the waiting list and 70% of those are in Saugeen Shores. We don't even
think that number is accurate anymore because some people have just
given up."
There are 115 rental accommodations geared to income and affordable
housing units in Saugeen Shores. They are available through Bruce
County Housing Corporation, the Port Elgin Rotary Non Profit for Seniors
and some private landlord subsidies.
Under the recently created Affordable Housing Program (AHP) which
assists with the 5% downpayment requirement up to a housing price limit
of $199,000, 40 have been funded to date in Bruce county with only one
of those Saugeen Shores where the housing prices exceed the limit.
(next column)
13/01/2009 04:23 PM |
(continued)
Susan
Earle, Manager of Housing Services for Bruce Country, explained that the
Federal and Provincial Governments have contributed $2.1 million toward
the construction of 35 units and the County is waiving property taxes
and planning fees and contributing the administration of the program.
"The County is looking at selling eight of its single family homes in
Port Elgin and using the proceeds toward construction of these 35 units
along with using monies from the County's housing reserve funds. What
we are asking council for is donation of land."
Grant Diemert, Architect for the project added that, "We are looking at
two sites to build walk-up units, similar to a townhouse approach. The
land being considered may have to be rezoned from R1 to R3. One site is
situated across from the Plex near the Women's House Second Stage
housing project and the other at Market and Wellington Streets. The 'Plex'
site would be ideal as it is close to amenities such as the arena,
grocery store and drugstore."
Councillor Victoria Serda pointed out that she has been concerned with
this issue for a long time. "I am concerned that only 30/35 units is
making a very small dent. I am more inclined to look at the Market
Street property because it is close to the Rail Trail and the High
School."
"I agree the number is small," said Sanderson, "but it's a start. We
have to do something as there are many people in the area who are
working part-time jobs and, or seasonal, jobs and they simply have
nowhere to live."
Mayor Mike Smith agreed with Serda. "I also see the list growing and
it's a struggle to find the right answer. We will give this request to
our staff and try to arrive at a decision soon."
|
