NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD
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Have something to say about affordable housing in Collingwood? Join the town and the affordable housing task force for a Community Conversation about Affordable Housing Quick Wins, specifically additional residential units and reducing parking requirements.
Affordable housing has been identified as a key priority for council and staff for several years. All residents of our community should have access to adequate housing and Collingwood needs more rental housing to assist in the housing crisis.
“The housing issue cannot be solved by any one group alone — it requires a collaborative effort from all of us. That’s why we’re asking you to come together as a community to address this issue,” said Mayor Yvonne Hamlin.
The town, with support from our citizen-based affordable housing task force, and leadership from consultants N. Barry Lyon Consultants Ltd., developed an affordable housing master plan (AHMP), which was endorsed by council in November 2023. The master plan provides the town with a set of 26 initiatives that will effect change in the housing landscape of our community.
The Town of Collingwood is currently short of approximately 1,300 rental units to support the current housing needs in our community. Moderate-income households are currently priced out of both the ownership and rental housing market. Limited rental options drive up rental prices, creating a constrained market with few options available.
The AHMP identifies barriers to development within our policy and process frameworks that can make it more challenging for homeowners and developers to build more housing that meets the needs of our community.
In addition to the incentives offered through the rapid accessory dwelling unit deployment program and as one of the first steps in the implementation of the AHMP, the Town of Collingwood is initiating a housing-focused zoning bylaw amendment that will fast-track key AHMP recommendations to encourage an increase of housing supply in Collingwood. The purpose of this is to update the rules for additional residential units (ARUs) to consider permitting three and potentially four dwelling units on serviced residential properties as of right, changing parking rules for ARUs and other housing types, and discussing other related matters covered under the implementation of the affordable housing master plan. Additional residential units are the most cost-effective way to increase rental housing supply in our existing neighbourhoods.
Residents are invited to join the town and affordable housing task force at the Affordable Housing Community Conversation on May 13, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Community Rooms B and C on the third floor of the Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste. Marie St. We will discuss the possible paths toward regulatory amendments and the effects (positive or negative) of addressing housing stock through key policy changes. Registration is required to participate.
To learn more and register to participate in the Community Conversations visit engage.collingwood.ca/affordable-housing or call 705-445-1030.
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