Title
FEDERAL HOUSING ACCELERATOR FUND (HAF) GRANT PROGRAM
Moved by: Councillor, S. Morales
Seconded by: Deputy Mayor, R. Thomson
WHEREAS, on February 15, 2023, Barrie City Council adopted motion 23-G-020 a commitment to the Ontario Municipal Housing Pledge that included a housing target of 23,000 units by 2031; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) grant program represents an opportunity for the City of Barrie to refine the policies, procedures and processes to manage development in an effort to increase the supply of housing consistent with the Housing Pledge; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government has required cities such as London, Calgary and Halifax to allow four (4) units “as-of-right” to build more efficient and less expensive costs per unit in order to receive federal funding; and
WHEREAS, Bill 23 amended the Planning Act to create a new provincial threshold for what is permitted moving forward “as-of-right” zoning to meet planned minimum density targets; and
WHEREAS, the City of Barrie Zoning By-law currently permits “as-of-right” building for up to three (3) residential units in accordance with Bill 23; and
WHEREAS, the City of Barrie would like to further promote efficient land use and provide more affordable housing options for families by reducing barriers;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That staff in Development Services conduct a stand-alone statutory public meeting concerning an amendment to the zoning by-law that would:
a) Permit “as-of-right” building of four (4) residential units on a property wherever zoning permits single, semi or street townhouses prior to the end of 2023; and
b) Rezone some or all of the municipal lands identified in motion 23-G-179 to build more housing.
2 That staff in Development Services report back to General Committee in Q1 2024 with recommendations.
The recorded vote was taken as follows:
Yes: 11 - Mayor, A. Nuttall
Deputy, R. Thomson
Councillor, C. Nixon
Councillor, C. Riepma
Councillor, A.M. Kungl
Councillor, A. Courser
Councillor, N. Nigussie
Councillor, G. Harvey
Councillor, J. Harris
Councillor, S. Morales
Councillor, B. Hamilton.
No: 0