Affordable Housing Working Group

The Affordable Housing Working Group is governed by Schedule D.1 of Chapter 105 of the City of Orillia Municipal Code - Committees and Public Appointments.

Mandate
To identify and advise on affordable housing matters including conducting research and providing advice to Council Committee regarding affordable housing policies, development proposals, and other affordable housing matters that are from time to time referred to the working group by Council.

Terms of Reference

The terms of reference shall include the following:
  a) To work with City staff and the County to continue to advocate to senior levels of government for increased funding under affordable housing and homelessness support programs;
  b) To assist in the development of municipal incentives, in consultation with community agencies, for recommendation to Council in order to support the creation of new affordable housing;
  c) To work with City staff and the County of Simcoe and senior levels of government to create an inventory of surplus vacant government lands, in particular City-owned lands, and, where deemed appropriate, consider for the development of affordable housing;
  d) To investigate the development of alternative forms of affordable ownership models such as rent-to-own and home ownership co-operatives and supporting, facilitating, and promoting Tiny Home projects;
  e) To investigate the creation of transitional housing for youth in the City of Orillia and work with community agencies regarding the provision of a recovery orientation focusing on individual wellness, which goes beyond merely providing housing and minimal supports by also focusing on building assets, confidence, health, and resilience;
  f) To work with the Province, the County and other funded community agencies to secure funding to address housing and support the needs of persons with mental health and addictions challenges and vulnerable seniors needing care;
  g) To make recommendations to Council with respect to a dedication of staff and financial resources to advance affordable housing strategies as a City priority. To this end consider the creation of a Housing Coordinator position who would work in conjunction with the County of Simcoe to:
    i. assist in the coordination of housing programs,
    ii. facilitate the development of housing policy and incentives,
    iii. monitor the implementation of the City of Orillia Affordable Housing Action Plan;
  h) To investigate and make recommendations to Council regarding the establishment of an affordable housing reserve fund

Six citizens with experience related to affordable housing and one member of Council.

Agency Representation: Agency representation may be invited on an ad hoc basis where the working group may benefit from the resources available to the City from the County of Simcoe as its Social Housing Service Provider.

Resources: City staff resources shall be coordinated from the Development Services and Engineering Department. Meeting coordination and general administrative support shall be provided by the Corporate Services Department - Council Services Division.

Please visit the City's Document Centre for Affordable Housing Working Group Agendas and Minutes.

The Committee meets on the third (3rd) Thursday of the month (with the exception of July and December) at 4:00 PM in the Orillia City Centre.