Belleville’s first-ever Housing Summit has wrapped up at the Quinte Sport and Wellness Centre with some direct recommendations for promoting affordable housing in the city.
At the end of day two on Tuesday, councillors had before them five staff recommendations, and they made three amendments.
Council decided to add 1,000 affordable housing units by the year 2025 and to update the second unit policy, making it possible for illegal sites to become legal.
There’s also a move to reduce development charges by 50% on affordable housing.
Council called for a policy giving Habitat for Humanity and “like organizations” four to six property allotments per year.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk.
Panciuk says there needs to be changes within the city’s planning system.
He noted, “We’ve also given directions that our zoning bylaws and our official plan have language which encourages this type of development (affordable housing) and we are going to fast track, and we’re going to make the application process shorter so we can see these projects move quicker.”
Panciuk added, “The previous investments made by the previous council allow us today to be in a position to now invest in housing.”
Members of the audience took to the mic for five minute questions or comments.
Michelle Ogden of Hastings County housing told council there are 1,200 people on the housing wait list and there had been 56 homeless people living “across the river from Walmart last summer.”
Councillor Ryan Williams brought forward the idea of increasing the number of units to 1,000 by 2025.
The issue of giving seniors tax relief and bringing in more second units will allow them to stay in their own homes longer, according to Councillor Paul Carr.
“These are quick wins,” he said.
Councillor Garnet Thompson called for market rent “down to where people on social services can pay.”
Councillor Chris Malette pointed out that with Costco coming here it will be “a major community development cushioning the impact of reducing the development charges.”
Councillor Bill Sandison called for a $1 million reserve for new apartment rental projects within this council’s term.
He said you should “put your money where your mouth is.”
That amendment motion went down to defeat.
That amendment motion went down to defeat.
From left: Ruth Estwick of Quinte Homebuilders Association and President of Altogether Affordable Housing Corporation Bob Cotterell, Housing Summit co-Chairs, March 19, 2019 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Bob Cotterell, president of All Together Affordable Housing Corporation, says the move for affordable housing began twelve years ago.
Hastings County was an original participant in the movement.
At the close of the summit, Cotterell told Quinte News he’s pleased Belleville has “finally joined the affordable housing” campaign.
Belleville city staff will bring forward a recommended affordable housing motion to Belleville city council’s operating budget meeting, at the beginning of April.
