Two Bradford women presented a deputation at Tuesday night's council meeting regarding the ongoing issue of Affordable Housing in the community.
Bradford Women's+ Group leader, Jennifer Lloyd, and group member Cynthia Breadner presented council with a 'Healthy Housing Continuum,' filled with facts and figures based on current rental rates in town, the average worker's salary, and the urgent need for affordable housing in the municipality..
The idea was sparked by a Bradford Women's+ Group meeting held back in the October, around election time.
"We wanted to learn more, so together with the group we contacted CONTACT Community Services to understand housing needs (in Bradford)," said Lloyd.
CONTACT Community Services, which has offices in both Alliston and Bradford, offers both employment services and housing support.
"In Canada, it is generally agreed in order to live comfortably, no more than 30 percent of your income should be spent on housing," Breadner told council. "When communities have housing opportunities for all, everyone can thrive and prosper."
Breadner noted that in just over a year, CONTACT Bradford has helped 230 people find affordable housing - a number that only represents those who have come forward to ask for assistance, implying there are probably more who are unaware of the assistance available.
She pointed out that there is little transitional housing in Bradford - the sort of housing needed by recently divorced single mothers, those who have been laid off, or those on ODSP who are unable to work.
"We all require different types of housing and shelter along the continuum," said Breadner.
"These options are especially important because rental prices are at an all-time high in Bradford," added Lloyd.
The women conducted their own research, and found that at the low-end of the rental scale, a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment can cost anywhere from $1,100 to $1,300 a month, plus utilities.They suggested that at that rate, the rental would likely be a non-compliant basement apartment - and that, spending the recommended 30 percent on housing, a person would need to make at least $37,000 per year to live comfortably.
"Our community members are working full-time at retail and service jobs, contributing to economic development in town, and making $29,000 a year annually gross. It’s just really difficult," said Breadner.
Lloyd said this is what is known as 'housing stress,' when people are paying more than 30 percent on housing and end up having to choose between paying bills, gas or utilities.
This is causing people to be 'pushed out' of Bradford, she said, suggesting that the lack of affordable housing has opened the door for more non-compliant rentals, single room rentals and unsafe accommodation.
By creating more affordable housing options for the people of Bradford, "it can be a place where people can thrive," said Lloyd.
The women asked council to consider putting together a committee to look at the issue and help develop a multi-year housing strategy for BWG.
"So what can we do? What are you doing to ensure we have housing needs met?" Breadner asked councillors.
Mayor Rob Keffer commended the women for their presentation and thanked them for bringing the issue forward.
"Housing affordability is one of our strategic priorities," he said, acknowledging, "There is a void of affordable housing for a certain segment of our population."
He added, "We can certainly use your help to let the County know we do have issues in our town." The County of Simcoe has a program to promote new affordable housing, but BWG - despite having the highest housing costs and rental rates in the County - has not been granted funding.
Deputy Mayor James Leduc reassured the women that council is aware of the issue, and is just as passionate about getting something done, noting that the municipality is already looking at partnerships for new housing options on town-owned properties.
"I love that you want to help us. We’ll figure out a way to drive the committee. The more hands in, the better off we are," Leduc said.
Coun. Peter Dykie thanked them for the data, noting it was "very accurate."
Dykie added, "Living here my whole life, I've seen semi-affordable Bradford (change) to very expensive."
Coun. Raj Sandhu agreed and brought it back to the Development Committee, saying they need to "step up" and stop allowing developers to sit on land for 15-20 years.
Coun. Gary Lamb said that a day doesn't go by, when he doesn't have someone asking him about affordable housing. "It breaks my heart," Lamb said.
Coun. Mark Contois agreed, but suggested that part of the problem has to do with the Landlord-Tenant Act. "It's too strenuous," Contois said, suggesting that the restrictions have discouraged people from becoming landlords.
"Something has to change. The act is one, and maybe you'll have more people renting their homes out," he said. "I’ve been observing this. I think legislation needs to look at that. Maybe your group can approach our MP or MPP."
Coun. Ron Orr also thanked the women, and noted that the term 'affordable housing' sometimes has a stigma associated with it.
"Too many people have the wrong idea," Orr said, asking the women to help spread the message on what affordable housing really looks like, and the need in the community.
Mayor Keffer said he would like to share the presentation with the County, and would be in touch with the women soon.
