220803 Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee MinutesPage 1 of 5
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee
August 3, 2022
4:15 p.m.
Present: Cedric Tomico, Councillor Chris Parker, Dane Willson, Councillor Penny
Esseltine, Suzanne Renken
Regrets: Gary Green, Lisa Lanthier, Rebecca Smith
Absent: Elyse Pelland
Staff: Kyle Pratt, Chief Administrative Officer; Laura Pickersgill, Executive Assistant;
Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner
MINUTES
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:20 p.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Cedric Tomico
Seconded by: Councillor Esseltine
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory
Committee meeting of August 3, 2022, be adopted, as amended with the addition of
item 5.7
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
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Resolution #2
Moved by: Councillor Esseltine
Seconded by: Cedric Tomico
THAT the minutes as prepared for the Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory
Committee meeting of May 25, 2022, be adopted.
Carried
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
5. General Business and Reports
5.1. Tiny Home Show- Municipal Conference Day
This event is taking place tomorrow and Cedric will report back afterwards.
5.2. Community Strategic Plan Goals
5.2.1. Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee Terms of Reference
5.2.2. AMO and HATF Recommendations
Kyle provided an overview of the Committee’s mandate and goals to ensure
they are being fulfilled.
It was noted that Oxford County Council had received an update regarding
the Master Housing Strategy along with the Housing Needs Assessment at
their June 22 meeting. This information was circulated via email to the
Committee and will be brought to the next meeting for further review.
A discussion was held regarding developing an attainable housing plan. It
was suggested that the Committee review the County’s plan once complete
and build the Town’s plan off of that. It was noted that many municipalities
hire a consultant to complete their housing plans. It was suggested that the
article previously circulated regarding the plan created by the Town of
Collingwood be recirculated. It was suggested that a review of what other
larger municipalities have created for housing plans be done.
5.3. Expansion of Entrepreneurial Zone- Commercial Policy Review
Cephas provided a summary of the purpose for the Entrepreneurial Zone, which
encircles the Central Commercial zone and acts as a transitory zone between
the core and residential zones. It was suggested that by potentially expanding
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the Entrepreneurial Zone that this could allow for development of more lands for
housing, including affordable housing or office space. It was suggested that this
would need to be done in tandem with the zoning restrictions or by lessening the
restrictions in the zoning. It was mentioned that innovative ideas would be
required to ensure the best use of the spaces.
Cephas will bring back more information on this to the next meeting.
5.4. Resolution- More Homes, More Choices Act
This item was brought forward for Committee awareness.
5.5. Community Improvement Plan Updates for Social Housing
Cephas provided an overview of the revisions made to the Community
Improvement Plan to incorporate the term ‘social housing’. It was noted that by
adding this definition it would allow for funding of social multi-residential housing
projects outside of the downtown, which are not currently permitted under the
existing Community Improvement Plan. It was suggested that the words ‘and/or
affordable housing’ be added after ‘social housing’. It was suggested that
additional residential units be included as part of the definition.
Cephas will incorporate these comments into the version that will be brought
forward to Council prior to being reviewed with the Province.
5.6. Surplus Lands designated for Affordable and Attainable Housing and EOI
Staff are working on developing a list of surplus lands. It was noted that once
this list is updated the Committee can review it to make recommendations on
other lands that could possibly be used for affordable and attainable housing
projects.
5.7. Addition of Committee Member
The County approached staff about getting the Committee’s opinion on adding
an additional member to the Committee. This individual would be the person
holding the newly created position at the County known as the Housing
Programs Coordinator. The Committee passed the following resolution:
Resolution #3
Moved By: Councillor Esseltine
Seconded By: Cedric Tomico
THAT the Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee is recommending Cole
Warwick be appointed a member of this Committee;
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AND THAT the representation from Oxford County remain at two individuals for voting
purposes;
AND FURTHER THAT that the third person represent in a staff liaison capacity.
Carried
Laura will reach out to the County about which members they would like to have as
voting members and which as a staff liaison. Laura will bring a report to Council on this.
6. Information Items
6.1. Affordable Housing Leadership Article- Municipal World
A discussion was held regarding inclusionary zoning as noted in the article.
Inclusionary zoning dictates that a portion of new development be developed as
social or affordable housing. It was noted that this kind of zoning could be a
deterrent to developers in Town due to the high cost involved. It was suggested
that other compensation to developers could be offered, such as greater lot
coverage, should a developer include social and affordable housing
developments in their site plan.
Kyle left the meeting at 5:16 p.m.
6.2. 2023 Rent Increase Cap Article- News Release
The Committee agreed that rent control is an ongoing issue that needs to be
addressed province-wide.
7. Round Table
It was noted that, further to the suggestion from the Committee, Town staff had
made a proposal to a local home builder to allocate some lots for development in
conjunction with Habitat for Humanity and the home builder had agreed to provide
one lot at this time, which has the potential to expand to include a second unit on the
same lot. This is an exciting first step and details are being finalized. It was
suggested that other developers be contacted to determine their level of interest in
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supporting these types of developments.
8. Next Meeting
August 24, 2022 4:15 p.m.
9. Adjournment
Resolution #4
Moved by: Dane Willson
Seconded by: Cedric Tomico
THAT the August 3, 2022 Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee
meeting be adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Carried