If you make between $36,000 and $51,000 and rent your home in Collingwood, or between $70,000 and $98,000 and own a home, the Town of Collingwood wants to hear your thoughts on affordable housing.
Late last week, the town’s affordable housing survey went live and will be open until the end of June. The survey is intended to gather feedback from the Collingwood community to inform the town’s new affordable housing master plan.
Jenn Rae, the town’s housing development co-ordinator, told CollingwoodToday this week that the town is hoping to hear from residents with moderate levels of income, which is defined as between $36,000 and $51,000 for renters and $70,000 and $98,000 for homeowners.
“We know there’s a need for the whole housing continuum, however those experiencing homelessness, transitional housing and social housing is managed by the County of Simcoe,” Rae explained.
“The town’s efforts are for moderate-income earners. They face unique challenges. There’s a gap there where they may not qualify for assistance programs but still can’t afford the market rate,” she said.
Affordable housing is defined as shelter costs that do not exceed 30 per cent of gross household income.
The town’s affordable housing master plan will give the town prioritized, costed and actionable direction to play its role in addressing the affordable housing crisis. Consultants will take the public feedback received through the survey and work it into the draft affordable housing master plan, which is expected to be delivered in the fall.
In order to gather as much feedback as possible, Rae has also committed to visit local businesses whose employees fit into the moderate-income range to talk about the survey and affordable housing in general. She’s also encouraging local employers to include a survey link in their staff communications.
“We want to make sure they have a voice and really have a say in this plan we’re developing,” she said. “We want to know what the current demand is, and what types of housing these people are looking for in the future.”
“We want to hear what the community’s ideas are for how to tackle affordable housing locally,” said Rae. “This will provide a voice for the community.”
On Tuesday, June 6 from 6 to 8 p.m., the town will also be hosting a virtual information session about the issue.
“The community’s voice really does matter. Let’s come up with a solution together,” said Rae.
If you’re an employer who is interested in having the town attend your workplace to speak on the issue to your staff, contact Rae at [email protected].
To access the survey or to read more about the town’s affordable housing master plan, click here.
