The City of Pickering has said there is lack of affordable housing, but has announced a new Housing Strategy to find solutions.
“All levels of government generally acknowledge that there is a housing crisis. Affordable housing means annual housing costs (rent or mortgage payments) that do not exceed 30 percent of gross household income. There is a lack of affordable housing options, both rental and ownership, to many people in the City of Pickering,” said a city statement.
It said older adults currently represent the fastest growing segment of the population in Pickering, and are forecast to represent an increasing share of the population over the next decade. In terms of housing affordability, older adults are a particularly vulnerable segment of the population. Some seniors may prefer to ‘age in place’, while others may prefer retirement communities, multi-generational and shared-ownership homes. Some older adults find, when they wish to downsize, that they must leave their neighbourhood or the city to find acceptable, affordable housing.
The city has initiated a Housing Strategy Study to establish the city’s role and priorities in facilitating opportunities for developing a diverse range of housing, including affordable, age-friendly, and accessible housing in Pickering over the next 10 years (2021 – 2031).
The outcome of the strategy will be to identify actions that the city may undertake to ensure an appropriate balance of housing types and tenure that meet the diverse needs of a complete, prosperous community.
The House Strategy Study will be completed in three phases:
- Phase 1: Research and Gap Analysis – The city is currently within Phase 1 of the Study.
- Phase 2: Draft Housing Strategy and Action Plan
- Phase 3: Recommended Housing Strategy and Action Plan to Planning & Development Committee for Council adoption