WELLINGTON COUNTY – An “opportunity for us to get creative.” “An important step.” “A chance to generate some ideas.”
A chorus of support was echoed by a wide array of councillors at Thursday’s meeting, when Wellington County council looked to address a gap in housing.
Discussion during a report from the Administration, Finances and HR committee Thursday built off a previous conversation spurred by councillor Andy Lennox.
The recommendation from the AF&HR agenda was to make former funding for the Continuum of Care project available to the local municipalities in the County. Among criteria for that $7 million sum is that the total request for a municipality not exceed $1 million.
Warden Chris White, stating during the meeting his fears of complacency regarding the issue, went on to say while there’s no definitive answer to filling the gap between low-end market housing and that of a subsidized nature, this move aims to get the ball rolling.
The recommendation also notes projects can take advantage of non-profit related opportunities, like Habitat for Humanity and must be designated to meet the needs of the local municipal council.
White explained if the money doesn’t get used it will return to the housing portfolio, and added he is ready to use these dollars, as a sense of urgency continues to permeate across the county and the country.
He says he feels there are opportunities available to continue to build off the intent of the Continuum of Care project.
Also proposed was a summit of some sorts to further workshop, but after criteria were voted on as a part of the recommendation before council, councillor Mary Lloyd withdrew that motion.
The problem’s urgency was a focus for White, much to the tune of Lennox’s original concerns a few meetings ago. White noted while this is a low-risk maneuver financially, there’s definite value to it.
The sum of money, which is tax-generated, White concluded is substantial, and deserves a degree of respect.
Stressing the need to take action, White expressed sentiments of doing so right now.
A fulsome report on alternative development models will be distributed to municipal CAO’s across the county as a part of this work.
“We’ve addressed the problem, but we haven’t addressed the solution,” said councillor Earl Campbell during the meeting.
Council will look to begin that particular trek, with applications open until September 2026, and the development fund officially closing in 2027.
