Province's affordable housing plans seen as positive move

Ontario’s move to create more affordable housing in communities across the province sits well with Bonnie Krysowaty.

The social research planner at the Lakehead Social Planning Council said any step in the direction of adding more affordable housing stock in Thunder Bay is a positive move.

The planned legislation is part of Ontario’s long-term housing strategy, a plan that includes $178 million over three years revealed in the recent tabling of the provincial budget.

The Liberals have also promised a portable housing benefit and create up to 1,500 housing units for people with complex needs, including seniors, suffering from mental health issues and at-risk youth.

The province also plans to spend $45 million over three years on the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, part of its plan to end chronic homelessness by 2015.

“That’s something we definitely need to see in Thunder Bay,” Krysowaty said on Monday.

“We are starting to see more units being built here. And some of those units are being designated as supportive units as well, which is really important, so we can ensure people who have been housed remain successfully housed.”

Communities must apply, under the proposed legislation, which has yet to be introduced officially at Queen’s Park.
Krysowaty said she’s confident the city will apply.

“I’ve been talking to DSSAB and they are going to allot some of the funds for building and for supportive housing as well.”