A first look at Saint John’s draft affordable housing action plan.
The plan outlines actions needed to help the community maintain and create safe, suitable, and affordable housing options.
“Given the considerable number of stakeholders engaged in the issue and the interest in the community, a final engagement period is proposed to gather input prior to seeking final endorsement of the Plan,” reads a staff report.
Coun. Brent Harris said he agrees with the plan but has concerns about the price tag.
“At the same time, I can’t argue with any of the potential recommendations in it and the directions. But if you try to do 35 things, how effective will you be at doing all 35 versus if you only set out to do five things,” Harris said in an interview.
Harris added that he believes the plan might be arriving 10 years too late.
“Especially when you consider the fact that there’s been a number of groups, organizations and people at the community level, including myself, who have been pointing to this problem since 2018, before we had such a crazy demand for housing.”
Between August and early September, the draft plan will be available on the Shape Your City platform so residents can provide feedback.
As well, two to three virtual forums will be held so city staff can present the draft to stakeholders.
Several initiatives are already underway, including implementing an $800,000 fund for affordable housing, developing a municipal policy for land disposition, initial research on housekeeping amendments, and updates to the zoning bylaw and other regulatory documents.
The draft was received and filed during Tuesday’s growth committee meeting.
It will return to the committee before the end of October.
