SHSC Regional Consultations - Spring 2009
SHSC Grassroots Solution for an Affordable Housing Strategy
Recent federal and provincial budgets indicate that housing is back on the agenda for senior levels of government. The provincial government is currently in the process of formulating an affordable housing strategy and has recently announced consultation dates with housing communities this summer. In preparation for the provincial government consultations, SHSC recently gave housing providers and service managers the opportunity to participate in facilitated, half-day discussions to brainstorm and strategize on what is needed in a housing strategy.
The purpose of our discussion sessions was to facilitate a group ‘pre-think’ before the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing consultations. By attending, participants were able to identify common themes and concerns and, more importantly, common solutions.
Below are a few of the recurring themes we heard from people across the province at these sessions.
- Capital repairs and energy costs were the top two greatest financial pressures facing organizations
- Ministries need to collaborate and coordinate efforts for a long-term housing strategy
- A local housing strategy is needed with streamlined rules and regulations
- Everyone is concerned about the tight timelines associated with the recent federal-provincial stimulus funding
- There need to be more community-based energy initiatives
- We need to make units as energy efficient as possible because utility costs are a huge concern – particularly in northern Ontario
Regional Consultation Summary PDF Reports by Location:
Questions? Need more information?
Please contact Lori-Anne Gagne at 416-594-9325 ext. 298 or lgagne@shscorp.ca