Public input sought as Regional Housing Strategy is developed
Tim Brody - Editor
A Regional Housing Strategy is being developed for the District of Kenora through the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) and public input is being sought through public open houses and an online survey.
The KDSB has successfully secured funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to begin consultations in each of the District’s communities to plan adequate housing developments across the housing continuum, KDSB shared in an Oct. 1 news release.
“The KDSB will be working with Urban Systems to develop a Regional Housing Strategy for the Kenora District. The Regional Housing Strategy will focus on the District as a whole with a focus on all housing needs, and will also have specific actions for the District’s nine municipalities: the Cities of Kenora and Dryden; Municipalities of Sioux Lookout, Red Lake, and Machin; and, Townships of Ignace, Ear Falls, Sioux Narrows – Nestor Falls, and Pickle Lake. A community survey will be live until October 29 for individuals to take part. Community focus groups are being conducted the week of October 4-8, and Community open houses will also be held the week of October 4-8,” KDSB informed.
“The Kenora District Regional Housing Strategy will be a key tool in addressing the housing shortage throughout the region,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.
“The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation recognizes the region’s housing supply constraints and supports this initiative to tackle the issue. It is critical that this work begins as soon as possible to help alleviate shortages. I strongly encourage all interested parties to share their experiences, expertise, and to get involved.”
“The Regional Housing Strategy is going to beneficial for so many sectors of our communities ranging to the individuals and families themselves, to service providers, employers, developers, landlords and beyond. The goal is that all District communities have a plan and strategy to ensure that everyone has access to safe, appropriate, and high-quality, affordable housing. The strategy will provide the building blocks for the creation of housing in the region. I want to thank Minister Rickford and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for helping make this vital project a reality. I encourage our communities to join the conversation through the online survey or community open houses,” said Barry Baltessen, Board Chair of the KDSB.
KDSB shared that developing the Regional Housing Strategy will consist of three main components: a Housing Needs Assessment; Housing Demand Study; and a Vacant Lands, Infrastructure, and Servicing analysis. “Combined, these three parts will create a holistic understanding of housing needs, challenges, and opportunities in the District. The Regional Housing Strategy will be supported by an advisory committee made of housing representatives that will have champion its strategies and actions,” KDSB stated.
Open house meetings will be held at the Forest Inn in Sioux Lookout on Oct. 7 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and at the Community Hall in Pickle Lake on Oct. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
People can find out more and take the survey at https://bit.ly/3F7EzFY.
