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PRESENTATION REGARDING THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE’S UPDATE ON THE 10-YEAR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION STRATEGY
Simcoe County Warden Gerry Marshall, Mayor of the Town of Penetanguishene, thanked the members of Council for the opportunity to provide a presentation on the access and attainability of affordable housing. He commented that the need for affordable housing impacts all municipalities within the County of Simcoe’s geographic boundaries. Warden Marshall advised that the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy is a ten (10) year plan.
Mr. Greg Bishop, General Manager of Social and Community Services and Ms. Afrona Zwiers, Director of Social Housing of the County of Simcoe provided a slide presentation regarding the 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy.
They discussed slides concerning the following items:
• The County of Simcoe’s 2014-2017 implementation plan and progress related to creating affordable housing;
• The composition and objective of the Municipal Liaison Group;
• The creation of County-funded Programs including a secondary suites program and a rent subsidy program;
• The input provided concerning the provincial legislative changes related to affordable housing;
• 20,000 Homes Campaign;
• Municipal planning tools and incentives related to creating affordable housing;
• The achievements associated with affordable housing identified in the County of Simcoe’s 2015 Annual Report;
• The City of Barrie’s progress associated with affordable housing; and
• Future funding and opportunities associated with affordable housing initiatives.
In closing, Warden Marshall commented that the County of Simcoe is looking forward to future partnership opportunities and continued work on the Affordable Housing Project and Homelessness Prevention Strategy.
Members of Council asked a number of questions of the presenters and received responses.