Housing

Housing and homelessness

Recent Posts

Local taxpayers footing majority the bill for affordable housing programs, says manager

By: |
Rebecca Carman,

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

County council accepted a report telling them local taxpayers are contributing up to 75 percent of the costs associated with housing programs. Ontario is the only province that has downloaded those costs. Some of the numbers are alarming. Rebecca Carman, housing services manager for Northumberland County, will explain what is going on and why. She will also outline the steps she and her fellow manager across Ontario to lobby the government to change things. Originally aired: July 28, 2023. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics

County plans to create affordable housing specifically for workers if they promise to stay

By: |
workforce housing

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

While affordable housing remains a priority for all levels of government, recently, two important steps were taken locally. County council is creating a municipal body to build workforce housing. In this interview, you will hear the details explaining plans to build workforce housing and why affordable housing efforts are not cutting it. Originally aired: July 28, 2023

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics

Chambers of Commerce call on all three levels of government to address housing crisis

By: |

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce recently released a report calling on all three levels of government to tackle the Affordable Housing Crisis. Some people might wonder why a business organization is producing housing reports. Port Hope Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Brenda Whitehead will dive into that mystery in this interview. It has a lot to do with workers being unable to live in the communities where they work. This was not an issue in the past because people were expected to commute to jobs. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Economy, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Port Hope, Port Hope Chamber of Commerce

Inside look at the county and mental health association’s collaboration to provide supportive housing in Campbellford

By: |
Supportive Housing Campbellford

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Northumberland County and the Canadian Mental Health Association announced a ground-breaking partnership to provide supportive housing in Campbellford. This is a huge step forward in helping people facing mental health and addiction challenges. These are people who often find themselves on the street and homeless. As you will learn in this interview, supportive housing provides an environment that helps people who would otherwise struggle when seeking a stable home. The tenants will live in a five-bedroom house with a worker present to assist them in their journey to recovery. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Campbellford, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Sleeping cabins put on hold as Cobourg council to offer land to county for affordable housing

By: |
Northumberland Sleeping Cabin Collective

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Northumberland Sleeping Cabin Collective was before the Cobourg council earlier this week. Politicians were deciding what to do next. Staff recommended two alternatives: reject it or go forward with the proposal to put 12 units next to the Memorial Arena on Furnace Street. After politicians presented their positions, Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty offered a third choice. Declare the land surplus and offer it to Northumberland County as a site for an affordable housing project. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Politics, Social Justice

Town staff explain decision to support Balder rental development after affordable units questioned

By: |
Balder building

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A new rental unit built in Cobourg promised to provide affordable housing. The developer, Balder Corporation, constructed 71 units at the corner of William Street and University Avenue. It received a $15 million loan from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation or CMHC. For this, it would provide 15 affordable units. It also received support from the Cobourg council from its Community Improvement Program or CIP. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Housing, Politics, Social Justice

Sleeping cabin proposal before Cobourg council unpacked

By: |
Northumberland Sleeping Cabin Collective

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In December, the Cobourg council received a delegation from the Northumberland Sleeping Cabin Collective. It presented a proposal to build 12 units and support services on Furnace Street next to the old Memorial Arena. The proposal will cost about a quarter of a million dollars. This includes the cabins’ construction and operating costs for a six-month pilot project. The money will come from fundraising and contributions from the people living in the cabins. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Social Justice

Group hopes to build temporary sleeping cabins for homeless in Northumberland

By: |
Sleeping cabins

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

After efforts, this summer to find a solution to people sleeping in parks and public spaces across Northumberland, a group of concerned citizens got together to propose a solution. Sleeping cabins are small huts of less than 100 sq. ft. that provide a secure, safe place for those who are homeless. These cabins are already being used in Kitchener, Peterborough, and Kingston with some success. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Social Justice

Seeking solutions to affordable housing and rentals through a community improvement plan

By: |

The show:

Affordable housing and addressing homelessness is a county responsibility in Northumberland. You will hear politicians repeat this mantra often. Municipal politicians have few tools to stimulate or create affordable housing and rental units. One approach is the use of grants and loans. This can be done at the lower level. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Housing, Politics, Social Justice