Sarnia council received a preliminary report on an affordable housing community improvement plan Monday.
Tim Welch, of Tim Welch Consulting Inc., said a lack of land, lack of capacity to apply for grants/manage a development or construction project, and no seed money to manage early project costs were initial concerns.
"So, on a preliminary basis, some of the recommendations that we're working on, that we're looking to bring forward more formally in a follow-up presentation to council, is to have a definition of affordable, that lines up with the current provincial definition that's in Bill 23, the Build Homes Faster Act, and that's at 80 per cent of average market rent," said Welch.
He also recommended implementing a property tax increment grant program.
"This will mean that property taxes on sites that develop new affordable housing won't have the property taxes increase. But any break on the property tax payable, would be tied to the percentage of affordable units created on that project," he said.
Welch said the tax increment program would be tied to federal and provincial agreements.
"As long as there is a continuation of the housing being affordable, and meeting definitions, that tax increment financing could continue," said Welch.
He recommended the launch of various grants to cover city fees or add additional accessory units and used the example of turning a single-family house into a duplex.
Councillor Brian White said he "echoes a loud voice" that states that the concept of affordable housing landing at 80 per cent of market rent, is simply not affordable for many people.
"As the market continues to push those rates up for the cost of rent, those rates are going to continue to be out of reach for a lot of folks who would benefit from something like this," said White.
Councillor Adam Kilner wants to coordinate the recommendations with the County of Lambton and community groups that offer assistance.
A survey by the consultant found 93 per cent of those asked felt there is a shortage of affordable housing in Sarnia.
Accessible housing targeting singles, the homeless, and those who require mental health or addiction support were identified as the highest need.
The consultant hopes to hold a public meeting in May or June, before the plan is considered for adoption by the end of July.
