Region's homelessness plan focuses on affordable rental housing
'Finding a complete range of housing options for our diverse communities remains a priority of York Regional Council,' York Region chairman says
Newmarkettoday.ca
Oct. 22, 2019
York Regional Council approved the second phase of York Region’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, Housing Solutions 2019 to 2023.
The plan builds on accomplishments of the first phase and includes updated goals and objectives for providing a coordinated approach to address housing affordability and reduce homelessness.
“Finding a complete range of housing options for our diverse communities remains a priority of York Regional Council,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “The updates made to Housing Solutions better addresses current housing needs and will provide flexibility to respond to new opportunities and challenges impacting our residents.”
The cost of housing continues to rise, and there is limited rental supply and affordable home ownership options. Preventing homelessness is crucial.
Goals contained in the updated plan include:
- Increase the supply of affordable and rental housing
- Enhance Regional Official Plan policies to direct substantial new growth in housing to areas well-served by transit and other key services
- Research programs to support affordable homeownership and identify potential partnership and pilot opportunities
- Begin construction of 100 new Housing York units in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
- Help people find and keep housing
- Provide temporary financial support through a Short Term Assistance for Renters Program
- Strengthen the housing and homelessness system
- Develop options to sustain existing rent subsidy programs after provincial funding arrangements end
- Develop an inventory of housing and homelessness supports for residents and case workers to improve system navigation
“York Region has been successful in increasing the supply of community and purpose-built rental housing,” said City of Vaughan Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Chair of Community and Health Services. “Together with our community partners, we will continue working to expand housing options.”
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with over 636,600 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices.
