Simcoe County's Affordable Housing Crisis Worsens: 3,000 Apply for 130 Units in the First Month

The affordable housing crisis in Simcoe County appears to be worsening. When applications opened for 250 West Street in Orillia, over 1,000 people applied for the 130 affordable units within the first three days.

Mina Fayez-Bahgat, the county's general manager of social and community services, reported to the Simcoe County Housing Corporation Board of Management that a total of 3,000 people applied within the first month. Among the applicants, 11 percent, or 300 people, were either experiencing homelessness or were from outside the county.

The project offers a diverse range of units to address varying needs. The building includes 26 units (20 percent of all units) at 100 percent or 120 percent of the average market rent (AMR), specifically for bachelor and one-bedroom units. Additionally, 13 units (10 percent) are allocated for Housing First initiatives to support individuals with deep housing needs, focusing on bachelor units. The majority, 91 units (70 percent), are priced at 80 percent of AMR. The AMR structure sets rents well below private market levels, with specific rates as follows: $773 for a bachelor unit, $937 for a one-bedroom, $1094 for a two-bedroom, and $1433 for a three-bedroom at 80 percent AMR. These rates ensure that housing remains affordable for a broader range of residents.

The project was anticipated to cost $79 million between 2020 and 2022, including funding from municipal partners, the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative.

Orillia Ward 3 Councillor Jay Fallis suggested exploring ways to accelerate the development of affordable housing projects to better meet the high demand.

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall asked the county to expedite the Rose Street affordable housing project. The county aims to complete the parking structure by January 2026. Nuttall also advocated for building as much housing as quickly as possible while balancing long-term durability and maintenance costs.

During the meeting, the Affordable Housing Master Plan was also presented. It outlines a comprehensive 10-year strategy aimed at addressing the county's housing needs. This plan prioritizes development projects in the short, medium, and long term to achieve the county’s affordable housing goals. It includes a variety of initiatives, such as maximizing existing properties, leveraging assets, and maintaining rigorous standards for capital repair.

Key projects identified in the plan span across multiple locations, including secondary suites in Midland and Penetanguishene, new builds in Collingwood and Barrie, and additional developments in Wasaga Beach and other areas. The plan emphasizes a mixed-income model to ensure financial sustainability and social integration within communities. It also highlights innovative construction methods, like modular housing, to reduce costs and accelerate project timelines.

The discussion during the meeting also touched on the necessity of intergovernmental collaboration and the potential establishment of a development and construction corporation to further reduce costs and increase efficiency. The overarching goal of the Affordable Housing Master Plan is to create a sustainable and inclusive approach to housing that meets the diverse needs of Simcoe County residents while navigating the challenges of rising development costs and increasing demand.