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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-20 MinutesAFFORDABLE HOUSING ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. MEETING ROOM 1C MUNICIPAL ADMINSTRATIVE CENTRE 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE ATTENDEES: Mayor Adrian Foster Councillor Ron Hooper Councillor Wendy Partner Mary Bone, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Wanda Huntington Henry Wildeboer Bob Malone, Newcastle & Bond Head Ratepayers Association Sylvie Parker Charlie Trim, Parkview Lodge Carlo Pellarin, Municipality of Clarington Andrea Nicholson, Municipality of Clarington Trevor Pinn, Municipality of Clarington Alan Robins, Region of Durham Anthony Adrien, CMHC Selena Black, DAFRS Linda Coutu, Municipality of Clarington Mayor Foster welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked that everyone introduce themselves. Mayor Foster gave a brief overview of the affordable housing issue and advised that this meeting was called in order to determine what can be done locally and/or in support of what the Region is doing. Mayor Foster advised that he would not be chairing this committee meeting moving forward and asked Councillors Hooper and Partner to consider this role. Wanda Huntington gave a brief summary of the "My Home My Community" project which is intended to determine the criteria for the National Housing Strategy when it looks at "inclusive, affordable and accessible housing solutions for people with developmental disabilities". Discussion ensured about the possibility of tax incentives to offset the cost of rent. Alan Robins gave a brief summary on the Region's work to date as well as Regional incentives. Mr. Robins advised that a Federal Housing Grant is being proposed at $200.00 per month. The Region is focused on keeping the current stock of affordable housing and encouraging new affordable housing. Mr. Robins shared that housing priority is given to victims of family violence. Mr. Robins advised that the Region's Committee on Affordable & Seniors Housing will be bringing an update report to Council in June. The Committee is in the process of begin to implement the 34 recommendations contained within the original report. A copy of the Region's report will be distributed electronically to everyone and hard copies will be available to those who request it. Anthony Adrien spoke briefly about the Provincial DC rebate program. Clarington has designated the Region to administer on its behalf and ideally we should know before the Provincial election. Mayor Foster brought up the possibility of Tiny Homes although Mr. Robins advised that they come with accessibility challenges, amongst other things, and they are also considered mobile. Mary Bone gave a presentation on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Durham. Mary touched on the need for families to obtain affordable housing and talked about rental costs versus home ownership. Habitat for Humanity is breaking ground on 4 new homes in 2018 with 6 more to go in Centre Town; 40 unit potential at Normandy site and 4 units at the Whitby site. There was discussion pertaining to finishing off basements to allow rental units, but it was determined that homeowners would not be subsidized for this because it would increase the value of private homes. There was discussion surrounding the next steps for this group moving forward. Councillor Partner agreed to Chair the committee. It was decided that monthly meetings would be held for the time being. Mayor Foster will attend as many meetings as possible. Alan Robins will provide a copy of the Task Force report. Anthony Adrien will provide information pertaining to availability of government funding. It was decided that Brent Rice, Chief Building Official, would be invited to speak to the group at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.