City of Burlington putting final touches on affordable housing strategy
Published January 11, 2021 at 2:47 pm
In an interview with Khaled Iwamura from inhalton.com, Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward discussed the status of the city’s affordable housing strategy and confirmed that the final touches are being implemented this coming week.
The Official Plan encourages the creation and maintenance of affordable housing in Burlington.
Additionally, it requires that the city maintain a supply of approved building lots to allow for the next three years of growth as well as designate enough residential lands to accommodate the next ten years of growth.
Meed Ward stated that while the majority of social services and a provision of affordable housing sits in Halton Region, there are tools at the municipal level that the city wants to take a closer look at.
Additionally, the city wants to recognize their role, while also acknowledging that there is also a role for federal, provincial and regional governments.
“We do this all in partnership. So, that’s a big one because housing as we know, is becoming less and less affordable,” said Meed Ward.
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“It is completely divorced from income which is a state change from what it was decades ago. When housing and income are closely related, people can afford to get into the market.”
“There’s no relationship between average incomes and the prices of houses anymore.”
Meed Ward also pointed out that while the average income in Burlington and Oakville is roughly $100,000, the average house price is approaching $1 million.
“Even if you’re lucky enough to make $100,000, you’re not anywhere close to getting into the housing market.”
For more information on the Official Plan, click here.
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