The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing came to Hamilton this morning to announce the much anticipated Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS.)
Many of you came out to last year's consultations and/or made input into the strategy.
It would be nice to report that everything you asked for has found its way into the LTAHS but I'm sure you will know that isn't the case.
On the positive side there are significant changes to regulations that govern social housing. The clinic will provide some analysis on this when more details are available – hopefully, later this week.
There is also a commitment to give cities more power to adapt to the different needs found in their respective communities. Municipalities will also now be able (be required, in fact) to establish policies for second or accessory units in new and existing developments. Local authorities will get the power to make more decisions without approval of the provincial government as currently many activities including financing and other matters require "ministerial consent."
Many of you will be disappointed, though, with what isn't in the report. For example, there are no new operating or capital dollars for housing. Also, no Housing Benefit that would help bridge the gap between the high cost of housing for those whose incomes are too low to afford anything decent. (It should be said that the government has promised to explore this idea.)
I’m not seeing anything in the report on accessible housing or home ownership programs or any commitment for supportive housing.
For those who want more details I’m suggesting you take a look at the Ministry website (Ontario.ca/housing Strategy).
You might also want to read the Wellesley Institute’s Michael Shapcott’s analysis at www.wellesleyinstitute.com
His piece is called “Scaffolding-up-but-lots-of-work-still-needed-before-Ontario-finishes-building-its-housing-plan.”
Once we have all had time to take a closer look at this some thought needs to be given to next steps.
What do you think? Are you happy with the LTAHS? I’m interested in your ideas.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Optimism for Housing Bill
At the risk of repeating myself (see earlier postings) members of Parliament are voting on Bill C- 304 today.
You’ll know that Bill C-304 is a private member's bill from MP Libby Davies that would require the federal government to consult widely and create a national affordable housing plan within six months
Housing advocate Michael Shapcott of the Wellesley Institute (http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/) reports that “(T)his is the closest Canada has come to a truly comprehensive national affordable housing plan in two decades, and would help to bring Canada in compliance with its international housing rights obligations.”
It has been a long and complicated process for Bill 304.
NDP and Liberal Members have backed the bill since the outset. Bloc members who were once onside, then opposed, seem to be in support again subject to approval of an amendment.
If I’m understanding it correctly, then, today’s vote would send the bill back to Committee where it should pass.
Later in December Libby Davies hopes that it will get to the floor of the Commons for third reading before Parliament recesses for the holidays in mid-December.
When I mentioned this at home this morning the response I got was: “Yeah, but what about the Senate?”
I’ll have to think about that one.
You’ll know that Bill C-304 is a private member's bill from MP Libby Davies that would require the federal government to consult widely and create a national affordable housing plan within six months
Housing advocate Michael Shapcott of the Wellesley Institute (http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/) reports that “(T)his is the closest Canada has come to a truly comprehensive national affordable housing plan in two decades, and would help to bring Canada in compliance with its international housing rights obligations.”
It has been a long and complicated process for Bill 304.
NDP and Liberal Members have backed the bill since the outset. Bloc members who were once onside, then opposed, seem to be in support again subject to approval of an amendment.
If I’m understanding it correctly, then, today’s vote would send the bill back to Committee where it should pass.
Later in December Libby Davies hopes that it will get to the floor of the Commons for third reading before Parliament recesses for the holidays in mid-December.
When I mentioned this at home this morning the response I got was: “Yeah, but what about the Senate?”
I’ll have to think about that one.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Let's be Clear about "Affordable Housing"
It is important how language is used.
So it bothers me when the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) takes liberties with the English language.
They did it today (November 10th) - and it is not the first time.
A Senior Market Analyst for the Hamilton area reports that housing prices will remain steady for the next year “thereby keeping homes affordable” in the city.
Affordable, for whom?
The spokesperson is speaking of the resale housing market, of course, which means little to those 40% of Hamilton residents who choose to rent or are forced to rent.
For them the housing “market’ is not one that is affordable.
Affordable housing is accommodation where housing costs do not exceed 30% of income. You can find that generally accepted definition on the CMHC website.
Using that measure, according to data from the Social Planning and Research Council (SPRC – www.sprc.hamilton.on.ca), many in our community are living in housing that is not affordable.
In fact, more than 11,000 (36%) of all families who rent and 17,700 (52%) of all singles are living in housing that is not affordable - that’s 44% of all renter households in Hamilton.
The kind of housing that CMHC talks about being “affordable” is not an option to nearly half of Hamilton’s renters. It is, therefore, a disservice to them to present the current housing market in such positive terms.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency. Established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 to address Canada’s post-war housing shortage, it describes itself “as a major national institution.”
This major institution would make a better contribution to discussions on housing policy if it was more careful with its language.
So it bothers me when the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) takes liberties with the English language.
They did it today (November 10th) - and it is not the first time.
A Senior Market Analyst for the Hamilton area reports that housing prices will remain steady for the next year “thereby keeping homes affordable” in the city.
Affordable, for whom?
The spokesperson is speaking of the resale housing market, of course, which means little to those 40% of Hamilton residents who choose to rent or are forced to rent.
For them the housing “market’ is not one that is affordable.
Affordable housing is accommodation where housing costs do not exceed 30% of income. You can find that generally accepted definition on the CMHC website.
Using that measure, according to data from the Social Planning and Research Council (SPRC – www.sprc.hamilton.on.ca), many in our community are living in housing that is not affordable.
In fact, more than 11,000 (36%) of all families who rent and 17,700 (52%) of all singles are living in housing that is not affordable - that’s 44% of all renter households in Hamilton.
The kind of housing that CMHC talks about being “affordable” is not an option to nearly half of Hamilton’s renters. It is, therefore, a disservice to them to present the current housing market in such positive terms.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency. Established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 to address Canada’s post-war housing shortage, it describes itself “as a major national institution.”
This major institution would make a better contribution to discussions on housing policy if it was more careful with its language.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Housing Bill still a Possibility
Further to the last post Bill C-304 was not voted on last week.
It received one hour of debate. Another hour will come later. The Bloc has moved an amendment which, if approved, will return the bill to Committee to consider an amendment on the question of provincial jurisdiction. As Libby Davies, the champion of the bill notes:
"Getting a Private Members Bill through Parliament is no easy task and there are many procedural and potential roadblocks to overcome."
Indeed.
But it will be worth the wait to have legislation so that Canada will finally have an affordable housing strategy in place like most other developed countries.
It is not known when the second hour of debate will occur. Keep in touch by following Ms. Davies webste at libbydavies.ca
It received one hour of debate. Another hour will come later. The Bloc has moved an amendment which, if approved, will return the bill to Committee to consider an amendment on the question of provincial jurisdiction. As Libby Davies, the champion of the bill notes:
"Getting a Private Members Bill through Parliament is no easy task and there are many procedural and potential roadblocks to overcome."
Indeed.
But it will be worth the wait to have legislation so that Canada will finally have an affordable housing strategy in place like most other developed countries.
It is not known when the second hour of debate will occur. Keep in touch by following Ms. Davies webste at libbydavies.ca
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
An Opportunity for a National Housing Strategy
Bill C – 304 will receive third reading in the House of Commons tonight.
The Bill championed by Vancouver East New Democrat Libby Davies intends to create a national housing strategy in consultation with all levels of government, aboriginal communities, non-profit and private sector housing providers and others.
Our country is unique among developed nations in not having a strategy. The Bill includes:
*a strong commitment to the right to adequate housing as guaranteed under international human rights law.
*targets and timelines for the elimination of homelessness.
*a process for independent review and a way to address and report complaints about possible violations of the right to adequate housing
*a key role for civil society organizations in designing the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of programs required to implement the right to adequate housing
Status of Bill 304
This is a private members bill and such bills seldom succeed. There has, however, been a fair amount of support through the long process of first and second reading and across the country. Liberals and New Democrats support it. I understand the Bloc Quebecois support it in principle but are troubled by an amendment they would not allow the province of Quebec some flexibility if the legislation is successful.
Significant support from Bloc members would be needed for Ms. Davies' bill to pass.
Advocates recommend contacting Gilles Duceppe (DucepG@parl.gc.ca) leader of the Bloc Quebecois to ask for his support.
Let’s face it the country really needs a national strategy on housing and homelessness.
The Bill championed by Vancouver East New Democrat Libby Davies intends to create a national housing strategy in consultation with all levels of government, aboriginal communities, non-profit and private sector housing providers and others.
Our country is unique among developed nations in not having a strategy. The Bill includes:
*a strong commitment to the right to adequate housing as guaranteed under international human rights law.
*targets and timelines for the elimination of homelessness.
*a process for independent review and a way to address and report complaints about possible violations of the right to adequate housing
*a key role for civil society organizations in designing the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of programs required to implement the right to adequate housing
Status of Bill 304
This is a private members bill and such bills seldom succeed. There has, however, been a fair amount of support through the long process of first and second reading and across the country. Liberals and New Democrats support it. I understand the Bloc Quebecois support it in principle but are troubled by an amendment they would not allow the province of Quebec some flexibility if the legislation is successful.
Significant support from Bloc members would be needed for Ms. Davies' bill to pass.
Advocates recommend contacting Gilles Duceppe (DucepG@parl.gc.ca) leader of the Bloc Quebecois to ask for his support.
Let’s face it the country really needs a national strategy on housing and homelessness.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Housing and the Municipal Election
You are being bombarded with candidates knocking at the door; campaign "literature" overflows your mailbox and blows down the street; and that nice view that you are familiar with is obscured by election signs. And I won't even mention the stadium.
With all this going on it is easy to lose sight of the fact that there are important issues at stake in the October 25th municipal election; rental housing policies and practices for example.
Tenant advocates working on the Solutions for Housing Action Committee (SHAC) have put together a questionnaire for candidates.
SHAC, a grassroots community group with a 25 year history, believes that housing is a right. In fact, it is guaranteed under the United Nations Covenant on Social and Economic Rights which Canada signed on to 1948.
Here are five commitments SHAC would like from candidates:
1. A regulatory regime for all landlords in Hamilton should be implemented. It should include compulsory annual inspections that will ensure compliance with property standard by-laws.
2. A moratorium on condo conversions is required. Rental housing stock in the city has been depleted. One reason this is happening is that Council usually approves requests for conversion of rental properties to condominium ownership.
3. A full review is needed of the Access to Housing wait list and the various citizen and advisory committees that are associated with it. The waiting list is growing faster in Hamilton than almost anywhere else in the province. It is imperative that effectiveness and transparency of the City's housing responsibilities be achieved.
4. A city wide inventory of existing housing must be compiled to inform future planning for adequate and accessible housing. While this is a long standing request, there is still no public listing of the number of universally accessible and modified units or units suitable for low income singles or units appropriate for larger families.
5. The eviction prevention policy negotiated between housing advocates and City Housing Hamilton (CHH) should be fully enforced. The recent review of Toronto Housing Corporation's eviction policies following the death of 82 year old tenant Al Gosling show how important such policies are.
It is hoped that you'll engage the candidates on these issues. There are other important issues, to be sure, but it is fair to say that housing policies affect all of us. Housing is, to quote the City's Official Plan, "fundamental to the economic, social and physical well-being of Hamilton's residents and communities."
One opportunity to engage the candidates for Mayor on housing issues will be on Monday October 4th at the Jamesville Community Centre 209 MacNab Street North. The meeting starts at 1:30.
(This story originally appeared in North End Breezes)
With all this going on it is easy to lose sight of the fact that there are important issues at stake in the October 25th municipal election; rental housing policies and practices for example.
Tenant advocates working on the Solutions for Housing Action Committee (SHAC) have put together a questionnaire for candidates.
SHAC, a grassroots community group with a 25 year history, believes that housing is a right. In fact, it is guaranteed under the United Nations Covenant on Social and Economic Rights which Canada signed on to 1948.
Here are five commitments SHAC would like from candidates:
1. A regulatory regime for all landlords in Hamilton should be implemented. It should include compulsory annual inspections that will ensure compliance with property standard by-laws.
2. A moratorium on condo conversions is required. Rental housing stock in the city has been depleted. One reason this is happening is that Council usually approves requests for conversion of rental properties to condominium ownership.
3. A full review is needed of the Access to Housing wait list and the various citizen and advisory committees that are associated with it. The waiting list is growing faster in Hamilton than almost anywhere else in the province. It is imperative that effectiveness and transparency of the City's housing responsibilities be achieved.
4. A city wide inventory of existing housing must be compiled to inform future planning for adequate and accessible housing. While this is a long standing request, there is still no public listing of the number of universally accessible and modified units or units suitable for low income singles or units appropriate for larger families.
5. The eviction prevention policy negotiated between housing advocates and City Housing Hamilton (CHH) should be fully enforced. The recent review of Toronto Housing Corporation's eviction policies following the death of 82 year old tenant Al Gosling show how important such policies are.
It is hoped that you'll engage the candidates on these issues. There are other important issues, to be sure, but it is fair to say that housing policies affect all of us. Housing is, to quote the City's Official Plan, "fundamental to the economic, social and physical well-being of Hamilton's residents and communities."
One opportunity to engage the candidates for Mayor on housing issues will be on Monday October 4th at the Jamesville Community Centre 209 MacNab Street North. The meeting starts at 1:30.
(This story originally appeared in North End Breezes)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Mayoral Candidates' Debate
The clinic is a co-sponsor of the upcoming City of Hamilton Mayoral Candidates’ Debate.
The debate will take place Monday October 4th (United Nations’ World Habitat Day) at Jamesville Community Centre, 209 MacNab Street North from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Come and hear what our candidates have to say about housing and homelessness in Hamilton!
All candidates running for Mayor in the upcoming election have been invited to discuss and debate those housing issues that are the responsibility of municipal government. It is anticipated that topics such as social housing waitlists and unit conditions, lack of affordable housing stock and tenant rights and landlord responsibilities will be front and centre that afternoon.
It is fitting that the debate is being held on World Habitat Day. This UN recognized event takes place annually on the first Monday of October and is intended to encourage reflection on the state of human settlements and people’s right to sufficient shelter. The day is also set aside to remind us that we are all responsible for the habitat of future generations.
Joining the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic in hosting and planning the event are the Solutions for Housing Action Committee (SHAC), the Housing Help Centre of Hamilton, Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton, the Affordable Housing Flagship and the City of Hamilton’s Tenant Advisory Committee.
Information is available at 905-545-0442.
The debate will take place Monday October 4th (United Nations’ World Habitat Day) at Jamesville Community Centre, 209 MacNab Street North from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Come and hear what our candidates have to say about housing and homelessness in Hamilton!
All candidates running for Mayor in the upcoming election have been invited to discuss and debate those housing issues that are the responsibility of municipal government. It is anticipated that topics such as social housing waitlists and unit conditions, lack of affordable housing stock and tenant rights and landlord responsibilities will be front and centre that afternoon.
It is fitting that the debate is being held on World Habitat Day. This UN recognized event takes place annually on the first Monday of October and is intended to encourage reflection on the state of human settlements and people’s right to sufficient shelter. The day is also set aside to remind us that we are all responsible for the habitat of future generations.
Joining the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic in hosting and planning the event are the Solutions for Housing Action Committee (SHAC), the Housing Help Centre of Hamilton, Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton, the Affordable Housing Flagship and the City of Hamilton’s Tenant Advisory Committee.
Information is available at 905-545-0442.
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