Midhurst/June 27, 2023 – The County of Simcoe has released its ninth annual report card, Housing Our Future: 2022 Annual Report, to measure and evaluate the implementation of recommendations contained in Our Community 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy.
The strategy set a minimum goal of 2,685 new affordable housing units between 2014 and 2024. As previously communicated, the County not only met, but exceeded that goal, one year ahead of schedule. As of December 31, 2022, 2,775 new affordable homes had been created across the region since 2014, with more being built every day. The report card also highlights other targets and goals achieved as part of the larger 10-Year Strategy.
“When we decided on and began our affordable housing and homelessness prevention strategy nine years ago, County Council knew that the homes we were creating would change lives and futures,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “Since the implementation of the strategy, we have kept those lives and futures in mind as we invested heavily in housing for our communities. I am confident that we have momentum and I’m excited for what we will create in the future.”
Highlights of the Housing Our Future: 2022 Annual Report include:
- Creation of 244 new homes in 2022, exceeding the original target of 2,685 new affordable homes by 2024
- Distribution of $1.29 million in rent supplement/housing allowance subsidies
- Distribution of $91,000 in affordable homeownership down-payment supports
- Direct funding of $650,000 under the Municipal Secondary Suites program
- Distribution of $300,000 of federal and provincial Secondary Suites funding and an additional $200,000 to address urgent home repairs through the Ontario Renovates Program
- Provided $376,724 in Housing Retention Program for eviction prevention
- Continued progress on affordable housing construction projects, including 130 units in Orillia and 50 units in Bradford West-Gwillimbury
- $2.5 million in funding from the Province of Ontario towards the County’s creation of 14 units of supportive housing at 77 Tiffin Street in Barrie for people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges, persons with disabilities, as well as those experiencing homelessness, with the Busby Centre and the Elizabeth Fry Society providing support services
- Supported adding six new modular supportive housing units at Lucy’s Place in partnership with Redwood Park Communities, Busby Street Centre, Community Builders, and Northern Shield Development
- Completion of a four-bed addition to the transitional housing facility for youth operated by Home Horizon in Collingwood, developed with Provincial Social Services Relief (SSRF) funding
Funding for the affordable housing strategy comes from a variety of sources, including the County of Simcoe, the cities of Barrie and Orillia, and governments of Canada and Ontario.
The County’s strategy will continue to focus on supporting residents through maximizing funding, achieving targets, and working with area partners to create affordable housing units for residents across the County. More information on this can be found at simcoe.ca/ourahhps <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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CONTACTS:
Andrea Walasek
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
249-535-3511 (mobile)
Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca