City Council received an update in entry level housing in Yorkton at its regular meeting Monday.
"The Housing Needs Assessment Study prepared earlier this year by the Economic Development Department identified priorities for housing in our community. These are (1) rental housing; (2) entry-level housing; (3) student housing; (4) transitional and physically accessible housing; (5) seniors housing; and (6) subsidized housing for low income families. A conclusion from this study was there were gaps in the housing continuum for every group living in the community. It was shown that rental and ownership costs are well beyond the affordability range of many residents. It is very clear from reading the study there is a housing affordability problem in Yorkton that needs to be addressed in some manner. If it isn't, then it will become worse as population increase does not match the number of dwellings being constructed. The result is, those who cannot afford housing in this community will have three choices: (1) leave the community; (2) find sub-standard housing within it; or (3) find a means to live within the community," outlined the report circulated to Council from Gord Shaw, Director of Planning & Engineering with the City.
Shaw said a shortage of housing can impact all aspects of a community.
"Empirical evidence shows there is a direct correlation between the quality and quantity of housing in a community and the wellness of that community. Housing affects our business and personal decisions on where we live. Housing is central to the well-being of our communities. Without adequate and affordable housing, there will be an increase in other social issues that plaque those communities that do not have it," detailed the report.
Shaw said there are things the City can do to try to alleviate the situation. "If the City is to address housing in a meaningful way in the next 10 years, there are action items that it should focus on. These are summarized as follows: (1) create a supply of lots oriented to non-market based housing; (2) create a new zoning district that increases the density of residential development for infill situations or new subdivisions; (3) emphasize the role of secondary suites; (4) emphasize economic tools to create affordable housing; (5) create community based support partnerships; (6) create a comprehensive community planning framework."
In terms of what the City can do Shaw said it could include lot development for specific housing.
"Implementing that portion of the land development component identified as Action Item I in the background report will require a budget since this was not envisioned when the 2011 capital budget was prepared," outlined the report.
"The City can create a supply of lots that support non-market based housing while still developing lots for market-based housing. There are enough lots within the Riverside Meadows and Terrace subdivisions to accommodate between two to five years of building demand depending upon growth."
Possible housing development areas include the former C.J. Houston School property, York Colony, east of the SGI building, north of York Road, infill housing, and the west side of Good Spirit Crescent.
Should the City proceed with these projects in 2011 on its own, the financial impact is;
C.J. Houston -- $435,000
York Colony -- $715,000
Good Spirit Crescent -- $35,000
Total -- $1,485,000
Another avenue to alleviate housing shortages are secondary suites in homes, said Shaw.
"Secondary suites offer greater affordability and choice in terms of rental accommodations in a community. Many communities across Canada recognize them as a legitimate form of accommodation and have developed regulations to ensure their construction satisfies building and zoning codes," explained the report.
"The Building Services Division will prepare and circulate technical circular ob secondary suites for the building community by the beginning of June. This circular will also be advertised for homeowners who are interested in pursuing this type of housing. The City could look at refunding development and building fees for the construction of new secondary suites at the completion of work as a means of reducing the cost of such housing."
Shaw said having a plan appears critical.
"There is clear evidence that the absence of integrated housing policy and programs weakens community development in general. Having adequate, affordable housing is a determinant in having a healthy community," stated the report.
The report came with four recommendations which were unanimously supported by Council. They included;
The Housing Background report attached to this report is directed to the Yorkton Housing Committee for its review and recommendation for future consideration by City Council.
Administration is directed to proceed with the engineering on the C.J. Houston and York Colony properties and the installation of extra servicing on the multi-family lots on Good Spirit Crescent with a budget of $154,000 plus GST and PST
Administration is directed to prepare a new zoning district to address entry-level housing in this community and to report back to City Council at its June 13, 2011 regular council meeting.
Administration is directed to prepare and circulate to the building industry and others, a technical circular on secondary suites before June 1, 2011.
