The Kenora District Services Board is trying to find solutions to the region’s housing crisis.
A Housing Strategy has been launched to identify housing needs in local communities and the region as a whole.
“It’s also going to help developers as well,” explains Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall. “What kind of need do we have? What are some of the barriers as well that are preventing developers from addressing the housing shortage that we have?”
The plan is expected to be developed over the next 12 to 13 months funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
“Rents continue to go up and up, which is making it more difficult for working families to not just find apartments and homes to rent, or to buy for that matter, but is also making it less obtainable too,” says Wall.
Wall adds the plan will address housing needs for working families, seniors, the homeless population and newcomers to the region.
“The housing shortage is really preventing a lot of employers from attracting staff and talent to our communities and also it’s preventing and holding our region back from moving forward on a lot of economic development programs.”
Public consultation sessions were held across the region last week and an online survey is open until October 29.