Committee members noted their concerns with two of the recommendations made in the Housing Affordability Task Force (HATF) Report which were the creation of an Attainable Housing Action Group and the formulation of an Attainable Housing Coordinator position. Members discussed options for expressing the Township's concerns with the report.
Committee sought clarification on wording within the report that indicated the County's intent to procure lands through public market and "other" means, inquiring if expropriation was an option being entertained by the Counties in this venture.
Members noted the outlined expectations of the Counties for municipalities to provide suitable lands for affordable rental housing at less than market value. Members noted the agreement made with the Municipality of North Grenville to renovate a vacant building over the next two years into nine units at $1.3 million in renovation costs. With the intent to lease the building to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville for future housing needs. Committee noted the possibility of identifying a building within the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal to perform a similar contribution.
Committee discussed the various County Affordable Housing financing programs offered to home owners and landlords and noted concerns that these incentives may not address the affordable housing issue. Members inquired what preventative measures were being taken to ensure the appropriate use of this program and prevent a bed and breakfast issue from arising. It was noted that the UCLG program consists of specific eligibility conditions and a review process.
Members raised concerns about the Township's ability to accommodate affordable rental housing noting the lack of public transit services to allow for basic errands such as groceries or doctor's appointments. Members noted vehicle procurement loans offered by the UCLG to promote increased household incomes, noting a high success rate with the program.
Committee discussed the appropriateness of the province and the UCLG downloading additional tasks to the local level noting the increased administrative work, costs associated with the hiring of a new position and the creation of an additional UCLG action group.
There was a brief discussion about the effectiveness of reducing red tape for contractors to entice contractors to create new affordable development. The Meadowlands North and Lockmaster's Meadow subdivisions were provided as examples, noting the Township's and developers resolve to incorporate affordable housing into the proposed developments. Members noted that a thorough review of the Landlord-Tennant Act could assist in addressing aspects of the affordable rental housing issue.
Members noted the availability of suitable vacant buildings in the area, however, noted the obstacle of delivering water and sewer servicing to the property or identifying a property with pre-existing servicing. Committee briefly discussed options of the Township delivering services on the condition of repayment.
Committee requested staff to draft a response letter to the UCLG capturing Committee's two main concerns with the Affordable Housing Task Force Report recommendations. It was noted that a response letter would be brought forward at the Public Works, Environmental Services and Facilities meeting later this month.