Belleville Councillor Ryan Williams has a plan to help with the City’s housing crisis.
Williams is bringing forward a motion that would see the city create 50 secondary suites and units a year for the next five years to help people find a place to call home.
His motion says those units would be offered at 80% of market value.
Williams is also providing three options for approval including creating two $25,000 loans at 0% interest over 15 years.
Quinte Home Builders Association Executive Officer Ruth Estwick says they are in support of the pilot project to address housing needs in Belleville.
This pilot project to create affordable rental units would start January 1st, 2020.
Council passed a motion at the Housing Summit earlier this year to create 1,000 new affordable rental units by 2025.
Williams’ motion, if passed, would see the creation of 250 of those 1,000 affordable units.
In his press release, he states he wants to see more secondary units created in homes.
His motion also says the pilot project will be at minimal cost to taxpayers as the $25,000 loan would come from city reserves and would cost just $575 for one year plus administration.
Williams says this is a very small piece of a very large puzzle and they need to start thinking outside of the box to come up with different ideas.
Council meets at 4 p.m. on Monday in Council Chambers at Belleville City Hall.
