230222 Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee AgendaThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee
Meeting
AGENDA
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
4:15 PM
Electronic Meeting
1. Call to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
Moved By: ________________
Seconded By: ________________
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory
Committee meeting of Wednesday, February 22, 2023, be adopted.
3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Proposed Resolution #2
Moved By: ________________
Seconded By: ________________
THAT the minutes of the Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee of January
25, 2023, be approved.
5. Presentations
5.1 Transitional Housing
Presented by: Kelly Gilson, Executive Director, United Way Oxford
6. Information Items
6.1 40 Tiny Homes Article
6.2 Temporary Cold-Weather Shelter
7.General Business & Reports
7.1 31 Earle Street Update
7.2 Proposed Homeless Resolution
7.3 Community Strategic Plan Update
8.Next Meeting
9.Adjournment
Proposed Resolution #3
Moved By: ________________
Seconded By: ________________
THAT the Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee meeting of Wednesday,
February 22, 2023 be adjourned at _____ p.m.
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The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Affordable & Attainable Housing Advisory Committee
Meeting
MINUTES
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
4:15 PM
Council Chambers
200 Broadway, 2nd Floor
ATTENDANCE: Cedric Tomico
Councillor Chris Parker
Cole Warwick, Housing Programs Coordinator Oxford County
Rebecca Smith, Manager of Housing Development Oxford
County
Deb Gilvesy, Mayor
Gary Green
Suzanne Renken
Regrets: Dane Willson
Staff: Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner
Kyle Pratt, Chief Administrative Officer
Laura Pickersgill, Executive Assistant
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 4:18 p.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
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2
Moved By: Suzanne Renken
Seconded By: Gary Green
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Affordable and Attainable Housing
Advisory Committee be adopted.
Carried
3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Resolution #2
Moved By: Gary Green
Seconded By: Suzanne Renken
THAT the minutes of the November 23, 2022 Affordable and Attainable Housing
Advisory Committee be adopted.
Carried
5. Presentations
5.1 Oxford County Master Housing Strategy
Rebecca Smith provided an overview of the Oxford County Master
Housing Strategy that was approved in December by County Council. This
Strategy identifies a list of priority sites that have been given approval to
get these sites 'shovel-ready' to build more affordable and attainable
housing. The definition of affordable housing was expanded in this
Strategy. The Strategy recommends that the Community Improvement
Plan be amended to exempt the County from planning application fees.
Cedric Tomico joined the meeting at 4:22 p.m.
The Strategy includes a new repair program that can provide individuals
with up to $5000 for home repairs to allow them to stay housed. The
Strategy also includes the 'My Second Unit Program' and a down payment
assistance program.
The County has established a new base budget of $3 million/year to
implement this Strategy.
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3
Opportunity was provided for members to ask questions.
Kyle to send Rebecca an email regarding rehabilitation of the County
housing on Verna Drive. It was suggested that upcoming projects should
look at increasing higher density rather than just two-stories.
6.General Business & Reports
6.1 31 Earle Street Property
Cephas will send the zoning and official plan application to Laura to
complete to move this project forward. A legal survey is currently
underway. Cephas to connect with Engineering staff to determine if this
site would have adequate servicing capacity. Cephas to connect with
Rebecca to further this discussion between Town and County staff.
A discussion was held regarding the current height restriction in Town of
six stories. County Planning staff are reviewing this currently as part of
the Official Plan Update process.
6.2 United Way Oxford Transitional Housing Update
United Way is actively pursuing development of an eight-unit transitional
house.
Staff to advise United Way about the Rapid Housing Initiative Funding
available for projects such as these.
7.Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on February 22nd at 4:15 p.m.
8.Adjournment
Resolution #3
Moved By: Cedric Tomico
Seconded By: Gary Green
THAT the Affordable and Attainable Housing Advisory Committee meeting be
adjourned at 4:53 p.m.
Carried
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40 tiny homes, one big boost: $3M
municipal pledge backs 'unique' project
St. Thomas has pledged $3 million toward a community of 40 tiny homes proposed for
the city, a boost the project lead says would bring much-needed affordable housing a
step closer to reality.
Author of the article:
Calvi Leon • Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Published Feb 15, 2023 • Last updated 1 day ago • 3 minute read
An artist rendering shows a 40-unit affordable housing development proposed by YWCA St.
Thomas-Elgin for 21 Kains St. in St. Thomas. (YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin photo)
Article content
St. Thomas city hall has pledged $3 million toward a community of 40 tiny hom es, a
boost the project lead says would bring much-needed affordable housing a step closer
to reality.
City politicians this week approved the money to support YWCA St. Thomas Elgin’s planned
housing development on the condition the agency also secures federal and provincial funding.
“This is huge,” said Lindsay Rice, the agency’s executive director. “With our project
costs coming in at about $14.6 million at this point in time, $3 million would be a
fantastic contribution.”
“Really,” she said, “what city can build 40 tiny homes for $3 million? It’s really a great
opportunity for them.”
Page 6 of 13
YWCA, with Sanctuary Homes and Doug Tarry Homes, plans to build the 40-unit
development — dubbed Project Tiny Hope — on a former industrial site at 21 Kains St.
between Station and Flora streets.
The site proposal officially was approved by the city last week, Rice said, but YWCA
requires funding from all levels of government to cover the estimated $14.6 million cost.
An artist rendering shows a 40-unit affordable housing development, including a mix of one, two
and three-bedroom rental units and outdoor amenities, proposed for 21 Kains St. in St. Thomas
(YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin photo)
Coun. Jeff Kohler applauded politicians for unanimously supporting the project, saying
he looks forward to seeing the builders break ground as soon as possible.
The project aligns with council’s priority to build 500 homes each year during its four-
year term, he said.
“We’ve done a lot of work in that area in the past, but still, the shortfall is great. And
we’ve been working with the province and the federal government to secure more
funding for it, so any partnership like this is well-received.”
YWCA will apply for the federal government’s rapid housing initiative (RHI) on March
12, with an ask of $6.6 million, in addition to its provincial request of $3 million. The RHI
program provides funding to build affordable housing.
Already, the agency has made progress with its fundraising campaign, collecting more
than $1 million from the community.
And with another major donation announced last week — $500,000 from homebuilder
Doug Tarry Homes — the agency has raised its goal to $2 million by the end of
February.
Page 7 of 13
Rice said her organization was “blown away” by the generosity of Doug Tarry Jr. and his
team. The company previously pitched in $280,000 for environmental remediation on
the site.
“Doug recognizes the need for donations in the community to help us leverage federal
dollars,” she said. “Without donations, cash and gift -in-kind, we will not be able to
access federal funding”.
Project Tiny Hope is a community of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with outdoor
amenities, programming, and services to support tenants, including everyone from
women and children to Indigenous people and those between ages 16 and 24.
The proposed development has evolved based on the community’s needs, Coun. Lori
Baldwin-Sands said.
“It’s in our downtown core. It’s close to all of the downtown facilities that people need. It
has the very unique opportunities of providing some of the supportive needs for people
in that area,” she said.
YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin has long been a vital partner in tackling the city’s most
pressing challenges, Baldwin-Sands said. “They have been very strong and supportive,
especially for women’s housing in this community.”
If Federal funding is awarded to the YWCA, Rice said construction will begin almost
immediately, with residents moving in as early as Christmas 2024. The rental rates would be
geared to match the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) rates, she said.
The city’s conditional approval will be cancelled if the grant is not approved. YWCA
would have to revisit council with a new request using a different funding model for the
project, said Rice, adding she hopes her organization can avoi d resorting to that plan.
With the application deadline looming, the agency is encouraging donations of all sizes.
“This project isn’t just one thing. It’s many things,” Rice said. “So, when (people) invest
their $100, $10,000, $100,000, they see that inve stment going a long way.”
Page 8 of 13
New temporary cold-weather shelter
coming to Tillsonburg
Chris Abbott
Published Feb 13, 2023 • Last updated 2 days ago • 3 minute read
Operation Sharing will be operating an eight-week cold-weather shelter in a room at Avondale United Church in Tillsonburg. It is
expected to start about the end of February. The Mill inn & Eatery will be providing guests with evening meals. PHOTO BY
CHRIS ABBOTT /Norfolk & Tillsonburg News
Operation Sharing will soon open a new 12-bed cold-weather emergency facility in Tillsonburg.
“The goal is to have it operational by the end of February,” said Shawn Shapton, executive director of
Operation Sharing, based in Woodstock. “Each shift will have two staff members that are qualified and
trained to meet the guests. Our goal is to be a barrier-free facility where we provide a lot of dignity and
kindness to those that are struggling with housing and food insecurity.”
Avondale United Church at 60 Harvey Street is supplying a room for the shelter.
“Avondale has entered into an agreement with Operation Sharing for them to operate a satellite facility,”
said Oliver Gauld, a member of the Avondale United Church council (property and finance). “We are
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pleased to be part of the community and to help meet some of the specialized needs of this community.
This is supported by the congregation.
“Within the helping, caring community of Tillsonburg, this is a big deal,” said Gauld. “This is a major step
forward.”
The initial eight-week pilot-project, using the successful Inn Out of the Cold model in Woodstock, will
operate daily from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. during the cold-weather months.
“Avondale Church has been incredible to work with and we are so thankful to have a willing host,” said
Shapton. “We are beyond thrilled to have partnered with Avondale Church and the Town of Tillsonburg to
create an emergency shelter.”
Meals will be provided by The Mill Inn + Eatery.
“Patrick McMahon from The Mill has graciously offered to provide meals every night of the week,” said
Shapton, noting Operation Sharing will also provide snacks and breakfast in the mornin g.
“On behalf of the Town of Tillsonburg, we welcome Operation Sharing to our community,” said
Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy. “They will be providing a much-needed service to those in need of
immediate shelter support. The eight-week pilot project will help to identify and quantify the need in the
town. In the interim, this will fill a much-needed gap as we remedy to create a permanent solution.
“We are thrilled,” Gilvesy added.
Shapton said it’s difficult to predict how many people will use the shelter over the next couple of months.
“I’ve sat in a lot of meetings with community members and community partners, as well as those who are
‘boots on the ground’ right now, and there’s been a lot of numbers tossed around, a wide range that we
feel would use the facility. My guess is that we will see 8-10 members of the community come each night,
but it will be interesting to see the numbers that we get.”
Accommodations are first come, first serve. Beds are not reserved.
“One important thing to mention about the (emergency) shelter is that shelter is still a choice. We don’t
force anyone to come to shelter, we don’t force anyone to stay in shelter. It’s really up to them to make the
decision for their person, whether this works. Because in the shelter model, there are rules. Our goal is to
make sure that everyone is safe and that we are providing a key service that really has been missing in the
Tillsonburg area.”
Until now, Woodstock had the only homeless shelter in Oxford County.
“It’s really important to ensure that members, although they are struggling with shelter and food
insecurity, that they are remaining in an area that they know where the community supports are.”
Donations are being accepted for the shelter. Email Jess@operationsharing.ca or contact Healing Hearts
Tillsonburg on Facebook for information.
“We are just so thankful for being so well received by the community of Tillsonburg, the Town, and
certainly by Avondale Church and our community partners,” said Shapton.
In January, an overnight shelter opened in neighbouring Norfolk County. The 20-bed shelter, operated by
Church Out Serving and located at First Baptist Church in Simcoe, will run until the end of April.
cabbott@postmedia.com
Page 10 of 13
Homelessness Resolution
A Call to the Provincial government to End Homelessness in Ontario
To Premier Doug Ford:
Please be advised that [Municipality/ DSSAB/Municipal Association] [Council/Board] at its meeting held
[Date] adopted the following:
WHEREAS the homeless crisis is taking a devastating toll on families and communities, undermining a
healthy and prosperous Ontario;
WHEREAS the homelessness crisis is the result of the underinvestment and poor policy choices of
successive provincial governments;
WHEREAS homelessness requires a range of housing, social service and health solutions from
government;
WHEREAS homelessness is felt most at the level of local government and the residents that they serve;
WHEREAS municipalities and District Social Administration Boards are doing their part, but do not have
the resources, capacity or tools to address this complex challenge; and,
WHEREAS leadership and urgent action is needed from the provincial government on an emergency
basis to develop, resource, and implement a comprehensive plan to prevent, reduce and ultimately end
homelessness in Ontario.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT [municipality, DSSAB/municipal association] calls on the Provincial
Government to urgently:
a. Acknowledge that homelessness in Ontario is a social, economic, and health crisis;
b. Commit to ending homelessness in Ontario;
c. Work with AMO and a broad range of community, health, Indigenous and economic partners to
develop, resource, and implement an action plan to achieve this goal.
AND FURTHER THAT a copy of this motion be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the
Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Minister of Health; and to the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario.
Page 11 of 13
Community Strategic Plan
2022 Progress
Name Timeframe Anticipated
Completion Status Lead
Accountability Project Team Project
Cost
2022
Budget
Allocation
2023
Budget
Allocation
Additional
Resources
Affordable
housing
collaboration
with Oxford
County
Immediate-
Term Ongoing
In Progress
-
Oxford County Master Plan has been
completed which includes 31 Earle St
as suitable property for development of
A&A Housing. Habitat for Humanity is
building a house in Town. United Way
is securing transitional housing.
CAO
Affordable and
Attainable Housing
Committee, Oxford
County, CBO,
Executive Assistant,
Development
Commissioner
$60,000 $60,000 TBD County
Planning
2022 Performance Indicators
Name Assigned Staff Type of Indicator Baseline Measurement (2020) 2021 2022 Notes
Proportion of Tillsonburg households in core housing need - % CAO Outcome 11.70% N/A N/A Government resources not updated yet
with new info
Housing units created as Rent Geared to Income - # CAO Outcome 299 299 299
Affordable housing units created CAO Outcome 74 74 92 18 units at 31 Victoria, Habitat for
Humanity building
Page 12 of 13
2023 Proposed Goals
Priority Lead Accountable Relationship to Strategic Plan
S.M.A.R.T. (Specific,
Measurable,
Assignable, Realistic
and Time-related)
Goals
Budget
/Resources
End
Date
Partnership for
Affordable/
Attainable
Housing
Affordable and
Attainable
Housing
Committee
CAO
Development
Commissioner
Executive Assistant
Goal - Lifestyle and Amenities - Within the community,
Tillsonburg will strive to offer residents the amenities, services
and attractions they require to enjoy balanced lifestyles
Strategic Directions - Work with Oxford County and community
partners to ensure an adequate supply of affordable, attainable
housing options
Priority Projects – Immediate Term - Affordable housing
collaboration with Oxford County
Goal – Community Growth - The Town of Tillsonburg will
accommodate and support sustainable growth.
Strategic Directions - Work with Oxford County and the
development community to proactively plan for a variety of
housing options that are affordable and attainable for current and
prospective residents.
Priority Projects – Immediate Term – Attainable housing plan.
1. Develop plans for
31 Earle St property
2. Review level of
support for
Transitional
Housing (United
Way)
3. Town of Tillsonburg
Attainable Housing
Plan
$60,000 Q4,
2023
Future
Name Timeframe Anticipated
Completion Status Notes Lead
Accountability Project Team Project
Cost
2023
Budget
Allocation
Additional
Resources
Attainable
housing plan Immediate-Term TBD In
Progress
County approved their
Master Housing Strategy
in Dec. 2022, Town will
expand on that study for
local purposes
Affordable &
Attainable
Housing
Committee
CAO, Oxford
County, CBO,
Executive Assistant,
Development
Commissioner
TBD $0 Consultant
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