CITY HOSTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY OPEN HOUSES

THE CITY WILL HOST TWO OPEN HOUSES IN JULY FOR RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CITY'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY

When it comes to affordable housing, there doesn't seem to be one clear solution.

But just because it isn't obvious, doesn't mean the city will not try.

Tim Welch Consulting, the firm hired to complete the City of Port Colborne's affordable housing strategy, will be joining city staff to host a pair of open houses on Tuesday, July 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives, located at 286 King St.

The consultants will start the open house with a short presentation about housing needs in Port Colborne.

Following the presentation, there will be opportunities for attendees to browse poster boards, ask questions, and provide input on the vision, goals, and recommendations of the affordable housing strategy.

The open house will be split into two identical sessions, one beginning at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., and the other at 8 p.m. Space is limited, and online registration is required at www.portcolborne.ca/affordablehousingstrategy.

The city's new affordable housing strategy is expected to provide council and staff with an analysis of economic and demographic data sets as well as insight into the barriers or issues that have impacted and currently impact the affordable housing supply in Port Colborne. It will also forecast the rate of Port Colborne's housing needs and make recommendations to improve affordability for groups with the greatest needs, such as older adults, newcomers to

Canada, single-parent households, young adults, and Indigenous Peoples.

"We look forward to continuing our engagement efforts with the community about this project and introducing them to our consultant," said Gary Long, manager of strategic initiatives. "This open house will provide residents the opportunity to share their views on affordable housing and help guide Mr. Welch and his team towards producing a comprehensive affordable housing strategy for our city."

In May, city staff and Tim Welch Consulting launched an online survey that asked Port Colborne residents about their housing

needs and preferences.

The survey results have been under review by the consultants and will be used to inform policies, incentives, and other key recommendations that will be presented in the forthcoming strategy.

For residents unable to attend the open house, a copy of the presentation will be made available on the project webpage.

Interested residents are encouraged to subscribe to

webpage updates to receive timely information about the affordable housing strategy.

To register for the open house, or for more information about the city's affordable housing strategy, visit the city's website.

If unable to register for the open house online, residents are encouraged to call 905-835-2900, extension 502, or email gary.long@portcolborne.ca.