To the Editor:
I wanted to share some of the very positive feedback we’ve already received following last night’s Housing Affordability Information Session.
I’ve had four phone calls this morning from attendees expressing their appreciation for the evening and, in particular, for the collaborative approach taken by including Bruce County staff, YMCA Owen Sound Grey Bruce, local builders, and United Housing For All.
Everyone commented on the quality of the research completed by United Housing For All and it’s Housing Affordability Report, as well as the information presented throughout the evening by County staff and YMCA Owen Sound, Grey Bruce .
They especially appreciated the explanation of why our advocacy group is focusing on the “missing middle”—and focusing on affordable rental and home ownership opportunities for working individuals, families, and seniors. As this is where we as an advocacy group believe we can make the greatest impact.
The stats on the Bruce County Housing wait lists for people of all ages was mentioned as impactful and worrisome.
One of the most encouraging comments was that attendees left feeling hopeful. They appreciated hearing not only about the challenges, but also about the positive work already underway. Many were unaware of initiatives such as:
- the Town’s surplus land strategy to help reduce development costs and two developments “in the works” ,
- rent subsidy programs supporting 40 local families,
- the Encampment and Homelessness Response Policy, and
- the ongoing collaboration between the Town, Bruce County, local agencies, and non-profit organizations to move vulnerable individuals into transitional housing.
Several attendees also commented that it was encouraging to learn many of the recommendations from the Housing Task Force have already been incorporated into the Town’s Business Plan and are actively being implemented by Council and staff. Those who had attended previous Housing Task Force meetings appreciated seeing that the work is continuing to move forward.
Having Brent Nodwell as an attendee to get up from the audienceand share a builder’s perspective was another highlight of the evening.
His explanation of the financial realities, regulatory hurdles, and development costs involved in building affordable housing helped attendees better understand why affordable housing requires partnerships between municipalities, builders, and non-profit organizations.
His comments about working with Habitat for Humanity and constructing accessible and universally designed homes further reinforced how collaboration can create successful affordable housing solutions.
County staff also received very positive comments. Attendees appreciated hearing about planning from the County perspective and learning how County staff work alongside municipal staff, builders, and community organizations to support affordable housing.
Many remarked that they were encouraged to see all levels of government and community partners working together toward common solutions and for submission of grants for funding from both federal and provincial governments
Matt Shute’s comments on transitional housing was especially well received. His explanation of the realities of housing placement, the time involved, and the supports required helped correct common misconceptions while providing a better understanding of the process.
Christy Lowry’s overview of the County’s Encampment and Homelessness Response Policy also resonated with attendees. Her explanation of how the policy works between the County and municipalities, and the positive outcomes being achieved for vulnerable individuals, demonstrated how coordinated community partnerships are making a meaningful difference.
Overall, everyone who contacted me expressed how encouraged they were to see the municipality, Bruce County, non-profit organizations, housing providers, and builders working together to address both affordable housing and homelessness.
They left with a much greater understanding of the challenges, the progress being made, and the importance of continued community support.
On behalf of United Housing For All, thank you, Dar, for hosting such an important community conversation, and thank you, Cheryl, for moderating the evening and helping bring together such a knowledgeable panel of speakers.
The positive response has further encouraged United Housing For All to continue offering presentations to local churches, service clubs, businesses, and community organizations. Building public understanding and support is essential if we are to successfully address our housing challenges together.
As we’ve often said, solving the housing crisis requires all of us—municipalities, Bruce County, builders, non-profit organizations, community groups, and residents—working together. Events like last night’s help build that understanding and strengthen public support for the important work already underway.
Strong communities start with a place to call home.
Thank you again for making this evening such a success.
