Affordable Housing Announcement

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.