When it comes to the housing crisis being faced by many, few are as passionate as Catherine Diane (Mini) Jacques, Chair of the local United Housing for All committee about finding solutions.
United Housing for All Mission Statement is: “To be a voice for the community of Saugeen
Shores, raising awareness regarding the housing crisis by educating, advocating for, facilitating viable solution and encouraging and supporting volunteers”.
On July 14th, Jacques brought to light several statistics that she presented to an audience at Faith Lutheran Church Port Elgin. For some, the numbers were startling.
They learned that 40 per cent of those who work in Saugeen Shores, particularly retail, service industry, offices, education and health care workers, do not live in the community due to the high costs of home purchasing and rentals. Also, as of June, 2024, there were 686 households in Saugeen Shores alone on the Bruce County supportive housing list.
The number for the Bruce County housing wait list has now grown to 1,594, an increase of 20 per cent: 534 singles (43% of wait list), 365 families (29% of wait list) and 291 seniors (24% of wait list), with numbers expected to continue to rise through 2026.
According to CMHC and the Province, the general guideline for shelter is to pay no more than 30 per cent of pre-tax monthly income on rent.
As of June, 2026, the average cost of a single family home in Saugeen Shores was $665,000, with most exceeding $708,000, and rents equally prohibitive at more than $1,600 for a one bedroom, $2,091 for a two bedroom and $2,637 for a three bedroom apartment or townhouse. The prices in 2026 continue to increase however, with some two bedrooms now priced at more than $2,800 and more than $3,000 for three bedroom units.
The United Way Bruce Grey has determined that the Living Wage calculation for Bruce Grey draws from three household scenarios:
· Single adult: $25.30/hour
· Single parent with two children: $27.75/hour
· Two parents with two children: $23.50/hour (both parents working)
These are hourly rates based on full-time employment (35-40 hrs./week) that a worker must earn to cover food, shelter, childcare and other necessities. The Grey-Bruce Living wage needed is the second highest among ten region in Ontario, second only to the GTA. The current minimum wage however, is $17.60, with many now in part-time positions but will increase October 1st to $17.95.
To afford the rents being charged, the following demonstrates the incomes required to meet rentals and other necessities of life:
One bedroom rental: Rent $1515 to $1900 Income $60,000
Two bedroom rental: Rent $1734 to $2340 Income $85,000 – $151,000
Three bedroom rental: Rent $1992 to $2500 Income $75,000 – $140,000
For an individual working at current minimum wage ($17.20), a one bedroom rent should be $830.00. The numbers become more dire for three groups:
- Those on Ontario Works: A couple with two children are paying 172 percent over income for a three bedroom apartment
- A single adult on Ontario Disability Support (ODSP) is paying 118 percent over income for a one bedroom
- A couple with one minimum wage earner ($17.20/hr.) can only afford $825, but given the statistics, the cost is $789 over budget for rent alone.
In 2024, Bruce County had 10,000 emergency housing room nights living in hotel rooms for singles, seniors and families.
Matthew Shute, YMCA Director of Owen Sound Grey Bruce’s Rural Homelessness Response program, also said that the YMCA, in 2025, provided 500 emergency shelter units per month. “This year that number has already reached 2,450 in one of the largest geographic areas of 10,000 sq. km. We don’t encourage more than a three/four month stay in shelter as people begin to lose their skills. We try to create opportunities using networks, funding supports through the Y’ and outreach workers to get people to move on. We are fortunate that we have local municipalities who are on the same page. People can use the 211 service to be referred or call the YMCA directly.”
On a positive note however, Jacques also pointed out that the municipality of Saugeen Shores has also taken several innovative steps when it comes to the housing crisis. “It is working in partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and builders and on town-owned affordable housing projects through the CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund. In addition, the Council took the steps to provide rent subsidies of $590/month through Bruce County to 40 Saugeen Shores families on the wait list.”
Among the projects undertaken by the municipality is the Bluewater Lands development on town-owned land that will see 140 low rise apartment and townhouse units by 2027/28. The project is supported by the Housing Accelerator Fund with a focus on long-term, affordable and sustainable housing, and that will also include a new municipal park.
According to Councillor Bud Halpin, also a former builder, “… there is a lot of red tape that makes it almost impossible for developers to build affordable housing. Also, building lots are not affordable and supplies are not affordable. The governments, at all levels, must kick in to help.”
“Thanks for this and everything you and your group do. I am pleased to hear of your group growing and making an impact. We have a great community!”
Developer Brett Nodwell, who was in the audience, also said that Saugeen Shores has however, taken a positive step by “… reducing development charges by 50 per cent for those including affordable units and that partnerships help. I developed 32 homes for Habitat for Humanity in Fergus with a blend of mixed housing. Groups can also offer community bonds for a community build. There are solutions out there.”
Claire Dodds, Bruce County Commissioner of Community Development, said that Bruce County and Saugeen Shores are making efforts to reduce red tape and remove challenges. “Saugeen Shores, for instance, has free architectural pre-designs for Additional Rental Units (ARUs) and Bruce County also offers 10-year loans for those wanting to build an ARU.” She also said that only 10 percent of people however, can purchase a home and that the terms and conditions for developers to acquire financing is very difficult.”
On another topic, John Van Bastelaar, long-time volunteer with the local Food Bank, and former Mayor, said that times have changed. “It now takes upward of 20 years to save enough to buy a house. The Canadian Culture overall has changed. We used to see 100 people a month using the food bank and we are now up to 350. Other changes we’ve seen are that detached homes alone do not work anymore. There has to be mixed housing. Also, 80 percent of work now gets done by volunteers and 40 percent of people who work here, live elsewhere. Food banks have now become a necessity and we see people who are hungry and 40 percent of our clients are kids. We send out 100 meals every week to schools, thanks to local retailers. The changes have been many.”
“Thanks to all involved,” said Van Bastelaars (John and June). “It was a very informative session which we need to repeat to multiple audiences. We need to keep educating the public about the realities of the housing crisis in Saugeen Shores and to keep advocating for housing for all of our citizens. A safe place to call home is a human right.”
If community members are in need of support or are concerned about the well-being of a person who is unhoused, they may:
• Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
• Call YMCA Rural Housing and Homelessness Outreach at 519-371-9222.
• Contact Bruce County Human Services at 1-800-265-3022 or e-mail HuSinfo@brucecounty.on.ca.
• Call 9-1-1 if someone is in serious distress or in the case of emergency.
