ALL-CANDIDATES MEETING FOCUSED ON LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING

An all-candidates meeting dedicated to local affordable housing is in the works for May 26 in Cobourg ahead of the provincial election.

Hosted by the Northumberland Affordable Housing Committee (NAHC), the focus of the all-candidates meeting will be on discussing critical housing affordability issues ahead of the June 2 election.

"Access to safe, stable and affordable housing is becoming more and more challenging for members of our community," stressed Meaghan Macdonald, executive director with Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, and on behalf of the committee. "Investments to increase the supply of affordable housing are necessary to address the housing crisis in Ontario, driving positive social and economic outcomes as we emerge from the pandemic."

Advocates with the committee are encouraging residents of Northumberland to be well-informed when electing their next MPP — and are calling on area residents to attend the upcoming all-candidates meeting, which is set for May 26, at 8:30 a.m., at the Salvation Army Community Church.

"We encourage everyone in Northumberland County to register to vote and to take advantage of all opportunities to be informed about each candidate's solutions to address the housing crisis in our community," added Macdonald.

The Salvation Army Community Church is located at 59 Ballantine St., Cobourg.

All levels of government play an important role in development of all housing types, noted the committee.

Area communities need to hear candidates' views on the federal government's National Housing Strategy — and how candidates will help ensure Northumberland has what it needs to offer some relief amid the current housing crisis, explained the committee.

The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Salvation Army Cobourg Community Church Facebook page.

Residents wanting more information can email mcleanm@lao.on.ca or dcampbell@habitatnorthumberland.ca.