The Municipality of Clarington yesterday announced its intention to pursue an Affordable Housing Agreement, which it claims will be the first of its kind in the Region of Durham.
Council has directed staff to execute an Affordable Housing Agreement – the first of its kind in Durham Region – with the owner of 1697 and 1701 Highway 2 in Courtice. The agreement will exempt development charges and parkland dedication for some 55 residential units that are intended to remain affordable over the next 25 years, in accordance with requirements under the Development Charges Act.
A municipal notice said Clarington is working with the Region of Durham and the local development community to boost affordable housing supply in Clarington.
The municipality said agreement supports the creation of diverse housing to meet the needs of the community, a priority of Clarington’s 2024-27 Strategic Plan.
Affordable housing is a major social concern with homelessness rising in Durham and winter approaching. The region’s by-name homeless list has grown from 811 in August to over 1,000. The list doe not include those who have not registered.
Moreover, with the region’s withdrawal from a rent guarantee scheme on reporting issues, more than 200 home insecure individuals – including 144 children and 200 adults – are at risk.