Bruce County hopes to support the expansion of deeply affordable housing, by creating a Local Data Resource specifically for Non-Profit Housing Developers.
Tina Metcalfe, Director of Human Services, said it provides key data and information regarding core housing needs in Bruce County.
"The data and recommendations contained within the Local Data Resource for Non-Profit Housing Developers provides information specific to deeply affordable housing needs across Bruce County based on low-income indicators, core housing needs, and community housing waitlist data," she explained.
Metcalfe added that the new Housing Concierge Service, led by Bruce County’s Community Development Office, will be available to non-profit housing providers who want to deliver affordable housing.
"As part of the Housing Concierge Service, the Community Development Office will provide information sessions, communication regarding the need for affordable housing, advocate for funding from other levels of government, and will look at ways to reduce the cost of creating affordable housing in Bruce County," she continued.
She pointed out affordable home ownership for households in the low and moderate income thresholds would be home ownership under $377, 300 and rent below $1,383 a month.
"In terms of demand for deeply affordable housing, the community housing waitlist currently includes over 1,000 applicants," she revealed. "The applicant type has remained steady with 40 per cent of the applicants looking for a one-bedroom unit in an adult building, 30 per cent of the applicants are seniors and the other 30 per cent are families."
Metcalfe stressed that building affordable housing of various types and forms in Bruce County will create housing options that reflect the life stages of individuals and families, contribute to the development of complete and inclusive communities, and support community well-being and prosperity.
“Ongoing collaboration with local municipalities, and increased collaboration with non-profit housing providers and other community agencies, is integral to supporting the development and provision of deeply affordable housing,” added Metcalfe.
Bruce County has previously launched an Affordable Housing 101 Guide and two Affordable Housing Toolkits that provide information on the context for affordable housing creation in Bruce County and its local municipalities, with step-by-step guides, tools, and other resources. Metcalfe pointed out the county continues to try and address housing needs.
"This data resource focuses on deeply affordable housing and supports for non-profit housing developers. Bruce County will be launching a comprehensive housing action plan that will detail a series of actions to increase housing supply and impact affordability more broadly," Metcalfe concluded.
