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SENIORS HOUSING UPDATES
C. Dillon, Accessibility Coordinator reviewed the Planning and Building Services Memorandum to City Council dated February 12, 2018 regarding the Annual Affordable Housing Monitoring Report for the period from July 2016 to December 2017. Ms. Dillon noted that the highlights of this Monitoring Report include the following:
• The vacancy rate for the rental housing market in the City of Barrie improved;
• The rents in the City of Barrie increased at a faster rate than the provincial average; and
• The secondary rental market in the City of Barrie supplied a sufficient number of units for rent to match the demand for secondary rental.
The Monitoring Report referred to the City of Barrie’s 10-year Plan for Affordable Housing and noted that affordable housing is defined as the lesser of 30 percent of a household’s annual income or 10 percent below the average market price. M. Malcolm expressed her concern that a home priced 10 percent below the average market price may still not be affordable to those in need of housing.
R. Cotton advised that he attended the World Town Planning Day workshop on November 8, 2018 at Barrie City Hall. Mr. Cotton invited a presenter at this workshop, Kris Menzies of MHBC, to provide a presentation to the Seniors Advisory Committee at a future meeting early next year. He also noted feedback will be requested from the Seniors Advisory Committee as part of the new Official Plan process.