Friday, October 1, 2010

Midland Needs Affordable Housing

Everyone needs adequate housing – there is little debate about that. And Midland, like many other towns in Ontario, does not have sufficient affordable housing for its residents.

In 2007, the North Simcoe County Alliance To End Homlessness* did an extensive survey of housing supply in Midland. They also interviewed many of the social agencies in Town to determine what sort of demand existed for housing. Their conclusion? That Midland needed at least 200 more low-cost housing units just to meet the existing need.

Since the time of the study, three years ago, our economy has declined. As jobs have been lost, adequate housing has become even less affordable. One measure of this widening gap can be seen in our local reliance on Ontario Works, a government support for those with low or no income.

............................ Average Number of Ontario Works Cases (Jan to Aug)

2008...................................716 / mo
2009...................................903 / mo
2010..................................1043 / mo


Over the last two years the OW case load in Midland has grown by some 45%. The demand for low cost housing is not far behind.

The need for affordable housing does not just impact those with low incomes. Many of our seniors of modest means want a smaller, manageable home where they can maintain their independence. However, most of the new developments in Midland are well outside their price range.

As your mayor I will work with Council, the housing agencies and the citizens of Midland to:
- Plan a healthy balance of affordable housing for Midland
- Work with developers and the County to ensure Midland is building the homes needed by all its residents

+++++

* The Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness is a non-governmental agency comprised of 70 area Communities who are committed to eliminating homelessness. For more information go to: http://www.endhomelessness.ca/

No comments: