A Vital Focus on Housing report is highlighting housing as a critical issue in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Community Foundation Grey Bruce Executive Director Stuart Reid said not everyone has access to affordable housing. He added a growing population and rising house prices are an issue for many, not just the economically challenged.
“Working people who traditionally would be thought of as middle class are also experiencing lack of housing options. It’s really affecting people right across the scale. Also, affluent seniors are finding it difficult to age in place, or to be able to move to a more size appropriate housing for them. Everyone across the scale of economies has been affected by this present crisis,” he explained.
Reid stressed partnerships are key to resolving the issue.
“It’s not just one sector that’s going to be coming up with a solution to move forward with. Governments, developers, social services, charities and philanthropic agencies need to work together towards solutions,” he said.
He added unique solutions will be needed to address the problem.
“On the job construction work skills development for youth that are looking for employment skills, to conversations with developers on building affordable housing in our community, like eco villages and progressive solutions to the types of development that are on the forefront,” he continued.
Reid said rising housing costs, and rising demand have lead to the present crisis.
“In 2021 the realtors association of Grey Bruce Owen Sound reported the comprehensive annual price was $650,944., which is a significant rise of 35% from all of 2020,” he explained. “Low housing stock means its difficult to find housing quickly. And that’s problematic and dangerous for those who urgently need a place to live.”
The report said Grey County reported 50,183 private dwellings and Bruce County reported 42,592 private dwellings. In 2021, Grey County had a population of 100,905 and Bruce County had a population of 73,396. Grey County’s permanent population is expected to increase by approximately 23,810 people between 2021 and 2046. In 2021, Owen Sound-Port Elgin was ranked ninth on the U-Haul Top 25 Canadian Growth Cities.
The report showed that between April 2019 and March 2020, the waitlist for subsidized housing was 1,679 in Grey and Bruce Counties. When Owen Sound surveyed the public through its website, 36% of respondents identified affordable housing as one of their top concerns. In Bruce County, 29% of all renters are in core housing need. Adequate housing is reported by their residents as not requiring any major repairs. Affordable dwellings cost less than 30% of total before-tax household income. Suitable housing has enough bedrooms for the size and make-up of resident households, according to National Occupancy Standard (NOS) requirements.
Community Foundation Grey Bruce began a housing conversation in December of 2021, and the housing report was a result of that community input, and several years of data gathering. Reid brought the report to Bruce County Council on September 1, 2022.
