It’s one of the biggest issues facing residents of Renfrew County and beyond and county officials are trying to make strides in addressing it.
The county has launched an effort to explore affordable housing alternatives on county-owned lands and is planning for an early April housing summit, likely to be held in Renfrew.
Staff will create and issue an Expression of Interest (EOI) that will invite developers and other interested parties to share ideas about developing, operating, supporting, or owning alternative housing on county-owned lands.
Jason Davis, director of development and property for the county, said the EOI is a “very big initiative” for the County of Renfrew.
“We are stretching outside the box yet again for the County of Renfrew,” Davis told county council last week.
Officials hope to receive a wide variety of submissions from the development and social services sectors, presenting creative ways to use alternative housing technology to enhance the community and provide affordable housing.
“We want to ensure that we’re not missing any opportunities with developers and with this Expression of Interest we are looking for interest from developers and non-profit organizations to see what they wish or what they’d want to do with county lands – whether they’re surplus lands, whether they’re lands that have a piece of vacant property – like we have on Vimy in the Town of Renfrew,” said Davis. “We are looking for solutions from the private organizations.”
Davis noted that various other jurisdictions, including the province, are opening up their lands for development to address the ongoing housing crisis.
CAO Craig Kelley praised the initiative.
“This is a big step for this corporation moving forward and a very innovative approach by Mr. Davis and his crew so thank you for allowing this to continue,” he said.
The April event will be a vital part of the initiative.
“That summit will bring together like-minded people, developers, builders, municipal folks, on working together in a collaborative function,” said Kelley.
Davis’ department is now finalizing the documentation, as well as plans for the housing summit. Once that is complete, information will be promoted and shared through social media, traditional media, municipal notifications and more.
“I’m sure the word will get out for the developers to come from afar and from within,” said Davis.
Staff will provide updates and recommendations for council at a future meeting.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
