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The City of Port Colborne is taking action to create more affordable housing units and more housing supply through a new strategy and partnership.
At its Sept. 13, 2022, council meeting, Port Colborne council approved report 2022-201, an affordable housing strategy and action plan presented by Tim Welch Consulting (TWC). At the same meeting, council also approved report 2022-168, a partnership with Niagara Regional Housing (NRH) that will provide a surplus city property to NRH for the development of affordable housing units.
The affordable housing strategy includes 13 recommendations that support four goals: (one) increase diversity of housing; (two) promote greater intensification and density; (three) protect and expand purpose built rental supply; and (four) increase support for affordable housing through awareness and outreach. These goals were further developed into four general themes: (one) policy and zoning; (two) incentives; (three) advocacy, awareness, and outreach; and (four) monitoring. Staff have been directed to work with TWC on an implementation plan.
Council also approved a partnership with NRH to create affordable housing units on a surplus city property on Haney Street. The city-owned property is located next to NRH’s property at 709 King Street. The Haney Street parcel is zoned for multi-unit residential and NRH will be initiating a feasibility study to help determine the project scope and next steps. Staff have been directed to develop a memorandum of understanding between the City of Port Colborne and NRH to outline the responsibilities and expectations for both parties.
Quotes
“City Council recognizes that the availability of affordable and adequate housing is a critical socio-economic issue impacting individuals and families, and it’s time for innovative ideas, new approaches, and public/private partnerships,” said Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele. “One of the first questions we ask developers coming to Port Colborne is if there is an affordability component to their development. The new housing strategy will be a foundational document to guide council and staff in attracting development and housing investment, and we are excited to partner with NRH who have experience building and managing affordable housing units.”
“It is encouraging to see the depth of Port Colborne’s commitment to affordable housing in their new housing strategy, which will go a long way to help support our housing master plan roadmap for Niagara,” said Gary Zalepa, NRH board chair. “It is through partnerships like this that we will be able to work collaboratively toward meeting the needs of the many households waiting for affordable housing across the region. We look forward to working with Port Colborne to make new community housing units a reality.”
For more information about affordable housing in Port Colborne, visit our designated webpage at www.portcolborne.ca/affordablehousingstrategy.
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