Hamilton politicians endorse roadmap to build hundreds of affordable housing units annually

A series of short-term and long-term goals over the next decade in a housing sustainability roadmap has been given a thumbs by city politicians.

Local politicians have endorsed a roadmap for creating several hundred new affordable housing units annually in Hamilton, Ont. in order to tackle an ongoing homelessness crisis.

The plan is a series of short-term and long-term goals in collaboration with city divisions and community partners through a housing secretariat.

The goal is to build some 350 new affordable homes each year for the next decade, while repairing existing units.

Secretariat activities, to be created within the Healthy and Safe Communities Department,  include procuring new construction, acquisition of existing affordable stock as well as providing income-based and personal supports for prospective tenants.

Jeff Wingard, the secretariat’s interim director, told councillors the 350 unit target over 10 years is “feasible” but “challenging.”

“This is kind of the top end that we feel can be delivered, given the current market conditions,” said Wingard.

Also included in the secretariat’s year-one priorities are an assessment of Hamilton’s housing stock, with an eye on retaining existing units, and an assessment of city owned properties as well as federal and provincial land throughout Hamilton, to determine suitability for housing.

“This is a key focus of work which we anticipate will expand over time, but which we will start this year,” General Manager of Healthy and Safe Communities Angela Burden said.