KAGAWONG—Housing is not just a city problem, communities like Billings Township are also in need of additional accommodation options. With this top of mind, Billings Township council will be focusing on this issue at its next meeting with an eye to how to move forward while also seeking public input.
It was suggested at the meeting that the township could request a meeting with provincial representatives at the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference to discuss the issue and the potential of government funding for housing.
“Housing is an issue, a lot of people feel that it is a city problem, but it is felt everywhere,” said Councillor Vince Grogan at a recent council meeting. “Any time we have the opportunity to meet with provincial representatives is good, but we need to have a plan in place.”
Councillor Ian Anderson noted that the federal and Ontario governments came to an agreement recently on a funding package for new housing in municipalities. “I don’t know if or how much fruit it will bear, or how it would trickle down to municipalities like ours, but it appears that there is recognition by the governments that the need for housing everywhere is real. And our municipality is in as much need as anyone for additional housing.”
“I agree, and it would not be a good idea to go forward and meet with a minister without a plan in place,” said Mayor Bryan Barker.
“We don’t necessarily have all the services we need for seniors’ housing,” said Councillor Grogan, “but we could go ahead and say we would like to develop senior housing in the community. And we can bring forward a proposal. If we don’t try, we will never get any support.”
“At the end of the day, regardless of the type of housing we would want, we need assistance in the form of funding to provide for additional housing in the township,” said Mayor Barker.
Council requested township staff look into available property in the community for a small housing development. “Having hired a new CAO and treasurer, we know one of the obstacles to people not coming here to live and work is the lack of housing.”
“We want to look at all our options,” said Mayor Barker. “We are making a request to have a meeting with the ministry of housing at the AMO conference in August.”
“Ideally we can develop senior housing and personally I would like to see a small development of some housing if possible,” said Mayor Barker. “The housing can be geared to people 55 plus, which seems to be the demographic need. I know there is property out there, but we need to get a handle on where and how much we have that can be developed. And of course, all the investigations by staff and council will all go out to the public for their input. Housing was a need identified in our strategic plan.”
“We have to start somewhere, and the timing seems to be right to request support with the housing shortages being felt everywhere in the province and government funding being available,” continued Mayor Barker. “Hopefully we will be able to take advantage of government funding.”
