The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation is seeking feedback from prospective builders and constructors on its vision to develop attainable housing.
The Town of The Blue Mountains, on behalf of the Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation (“BMAHC”), has issued a Request for Information (“RFI”) from potential partners on attainable housing development. This RFI will be the first step in assessing opportunities for partnership in the development of attainable housing in The Town of The Blue Mountains (“TBM”).
“We are extremely excited to go to market with this RFI and determine the level of interest from both private sector, non-profit builders, and the local community” said BMAHC Chair Rob Sampson. “This is the first step to achieve our goal of building attainable rental and ownership housing in our community.”
The RFI will help BMAHC understand the level of market interest in the opportunity to partner in the development of attainable housing in TBM, any impediments or issues that need to be addressed prior to considering any next steps, a vision for the development of attainable housing in TBM that will meet BMAHC’s goals and objectives, and any conditions that may cause a builder to not respond to a potential future Request for Proposal. It will also help gather community input on potential attainable housing sites.
The lack of attainable housing is a significant issue in the Town of The Blue Mountains. Over 23 per cent of TBM’s population spends more than 30 per cent of their income on housing, which is a general market determinant of housing affordability. Housing attainability issues have had a negative impact on the local economy, with many businesses finding it challenging to fill job vacancies.
A recent survey funded by the Government of Ontario titled, “Creating Attainable Housing in South Georgian Bay”, found that housing is becoming increasingly out of reach for the local workforce. Sixty per cent of respondents indicated they would live in the area permanently if housing were affordable. Local workers, families, and seniors want to live in the area, but are increasingly unable to do so due to housing prices.
Since its creation in 2014, BMAHC has created two programs, a down payment assistance program and a grants program for secondary suites. BMAHC is now taking action to expand its reach to help develop attainable housing stock in the municipality.
BMAHC will continue engaging the public and council as they go through this process to ensure that its plans and any proposed developments are guided by local input.
Public engagement opportunities will be posted to the Attainable Housing Corporation’s website (http://thebluemountainshousing.ca) and advertised within the local media.
About The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
The Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation was established as a not-for-profit in January 2014 to augment the supply of healthy and sustainable ownership housing units that are affordable to a larger portion of the population. Its goal is to support the creation of more attainable housing opportunities for those living in the vibrant, diverse community of The Blue Mountains.
Media inquiries:
Rob Sampson
Chair, Blue Mountains Attainable Housing Corporation
519-599-3131 ext. 408