210715 Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee MinutesThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee Meeting
July 15, 2021
Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Councillor Chris Parker (Chair), Councillor Penny Esseltine, Elyse Pelland,
Gary Green, Lisa Lanthier, Rebecca Smith, Collette Takacs, Suzanne Renken, Cedric
Tomico
Absent with Regrets: Mayor Stephen Molnar
Staff: Kyle Pratt, CAO, Cephas Panchow, Development Commissioner; Lisa Jibson,
Acting Executive Assistant
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m. by the Chair.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
Moved by: Collette Taks
Seconded by: Councillor Esseltine
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Affordable and Attainable Advisory Committee
meeting of July 15, 2021, be adopted.
CARRIED
3. Minutes from the Previous Meeting
Proposed Resolution #2
Moved by: Lisa Lanthier
Seconded by: Gary Green
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory
Committee meeting of June 17, 2021, be adopted.
CARRIED
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
5. General Business & Reports
5.1 Mike Moffat Ontarians on the Move – blog series on housing
No discussion, just FYI to review on own time.
5.2 Housing Article – St. Thomas
Councillor Parker – found article interesting
Gary Green – asking questions re: rent and costs.
Article from Mayor in Blue Mountain (sent this am) included rental costs and financial
background. What would the comparables be in affordable? $850.00 for 1 bedroom.
Lisa to gather financials for St. Thomas building
Mayor Molnar sent article from B/G as well.
Lisa L – also has peers in housing from St. Thomas. Bus station building was gifted,
made it affordable, only renovation costs.
5.3 Poll Results: Future meeting date and time discussion
Proposed Resolution # 3
Moved by: Cedric Tomico
Seconded by: Gary Green
THAT the Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee set their meetings
on the 4th Wednesday of the Month at 4:00 p.m. beginning in August 2021.
CARRIED
5.4 Sustainable Affordable Housing – Green Municipal Fund
Recommended to keep on the agenda as a standing item so there is some
discussion each month so we don’t lose track of opportunity.
5.5 Housing Supply Challenge – CMHC
Recommended to keep on the agenda as a standing item so there is some discussion
each month so we don’t lose track of opportunity.
5.6 Gathering list of Locations/Properties available for development
Cephas does not have a current list available but will prepare in advance of the next
meeting. Member inquired if there are municipality owned houses or property that could
be sold for Attainable Housing. Cephas responded the Town does not have any, doesn’t
think the County has either. Member shared that the County has a policy that any land
sold, the profits does go into Affordable Housing pot. The County will work with other
municipalities to sell surplus land, and contribute funds, issue RFP and work towards
building affordable units. Member asked question if anyone was aware of school boards
that may have available surplus land that could be acquired for attainable housing.
Rebecca responded that the County has gone through the process. When the land is
deemed surplus, municipalities get first right of refusal.
Member asked about 2 schools in Tillsonburg that have recently been for sale. Cephas
responded, one has not been sold, one has.
Member asked about incentives needed for developers to build more affordable
housing. Rebecca said both land costs and financial incentives, such as development
charges are important. Money is flowed in portions during construction to the
developers, they need incentives as the developers are not interested in affordable
housing. County has agreement registered on title and must maintain agreement for
minimum 20 years.
Rebecca commented that money does come from other levels of government but this is
a slow, heavily political process.
Member inquired into comment about no land available in Tillsonburg, could we get use
of vacant industrial sites to convert to housing? Cephas noted it’s very complicated to
re-zone areas that are industrial, but there may be individual circumstances. Member
asked about gifting of land. Rebecca said it would still need to be re-zoned, and
affordable is more beneficial to stay closer to the core.
Cephas commented difference between where you can situate affordable vs. attainable
housing.
Member commented that in his previous experience, going up to build was more cost
efficient. Would like to inquire if there are any buildings owned by developers that may
be able to build up.
Member noted the town may have a by-law as to how tall a building can be. Also
concerned about quality of existing building vs. tear down and re-build, example given
the property adjacent to Station Arts.
Member inquired into the Blossum Park situation and was told it is a supportive housing
development.
Staff to add presentation from Rebecca to next month’s agenda.
Cephas to bring proposal to next meeting at Station Arts, Cranberry Lane and others.
Member asked about Tillsonburg Fair Board that owns land for agricultural usage, but
have become less important. Inquiring into the status of Fair Board in Tillsonburg as this
land is usually within walking distance of the downtown. Is recommending to try and
work with them to evaluate any opportunities.
5.7 Focus – Affordable vs. Attainable Housing – which to prioritize?
The County is only allowed to focus on Affordable max $38,000 household threshold.
Recommend a building with a mix. Member inquired if someone could do a comparable
chart from affordable vs. attainable. Rebecca commented that the committee should
make a decision on one vs. the other.
Cephas inquired into chart from workshop that Rebecca could provide incl. geared to
income, affordable, attainable etc. Rebecca will provide at next meeting.
Member asked if it would be useful to have a list of current Affordable and Attainable
Housing units. Rebecca will send link to website and can discuss at next meeting.
Members agreed that the committee should review both affordable and attainable.
6. Round Table
No further discussion.
7. Next Meeting
August 25th, 2021 @ 4:00 p.m.
8. Adjournment
Resolution #3
Moved by: Gary Green
Seconded by: Collette Takacs
THAT the July 15, 2021 Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee
meeting be adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Carried