Affordable Housing (Photo provided by the County)
Bruce County is launching the first phase of its new affordable housing toolkit.
This phase features an Affordable Housing 101 guide, which displays information and resources with developers on affordable housing creation in the county.
The guide has individual sections devoted to various municipalities in the county including, Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Huron-Kinloss, Kincardine, Northern Bruce Peninsula, Saugeen Shores, South Bruce, and South Bruce Peninsula.
Each section identifies current housing needs and an overview of the municipality.
The guide also identifies local communities need developers, builders and homeowners to create new rental housing which is affordable for residents making between $31,000 and $47,000 a year, with monthly rates ranging from $790 to $1,190.
The guide adds the county is in need of various forms of housing, particularly one and two bedroom units.
The county says it is broadly accepted that housing is affordable when the household is not spending more than 30 per cent of its income on housing costs.
The guide says the goal of the initiative is to create 60,000 new units in over ten years and the county will be using factors to determine which applications to prioritize. These include, affordability, energy efficiency, accessibility, proximity to transit, amenities and community support, collaboration and partnerships, and social groups while supporting federal priority groups like seniors.
County Director of Human Services Christine MacDonald says, the county is home to many thriving, vibrant communities, but there is work to be done to ensure the provision of safe, affordable and suitable housing for all.
“Increasing the affordable housing stock is a key strategy in Bruce County’s Housing and Homelessness Plan,” says MacDonald.
Warden Janice Jackson adds, working with local developers and landlords to create affordable housing options is important for the continued success of residents, communities, and economies.
“Together, we can create the housing we need to sustain a healthy and prosperous future for Bruce County,” says Jackson.
Developers interested in learn more about the guide, can visit the county website.