Ontario Long-Term Item 4 - Toronto Community Housing · Premier Dalton McGuinty promised to...

Ontario Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy Consultations

Item 4 June 19, 2009

To: Board of Directors Report: TCHC:2009-81

From: A/Chief Executive Officer

Date: June 8, 2009 of 5

PURPOSE: To inform the Board of Directors about the Government of Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy consultations. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that the Board of Directors: (1) receive this report for information; and (2) request the A/Chief Executive Officer to provide a formal response to the Minister

of Municipal Affairs and Housing to be shared with the Board of Directors prior to submission.

BACKGROUND: In the Ontario Liberal Party’s 2007 election platform “Moving Forward Together,” Premier Dalton McGuinty promised to “create a long-term strategy for affordable housing and ensure this strategy contains a mix of non-profit and co-operative housing, and takes advantage of creative financial options.” The promise, in large part, was a response to pressure from housing advocates for a long-term affordable housing strategy as part of a comprehensive Ontario poverty reduction strategy. On June 3, 2009, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Jim Watson formally launched consultations on the Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. It is being positioned as an important part of Premier McGuinty’s commitment to reduce child poverty by 25 per cent within five years.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ontario Long-Term Affordable Housing Consultations Report: TCHC:2009-81 of 5

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommendation #1: Receive this report for information. The Ontario Government is moving forward with a Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. It is a significant development in the housing sector that the Board of Directors need to know about. The vision for the strategy is “To improve Ontarians’ access to adequate, suitable and affordable housing and provide a solid foundation on which to secure employment, raise families and build strong communities.” The principles of the proposed strategy are:

o People-centred – Programs, services and supports will be responsive to need, and focus on positive results for individuals and families.

o Partnership-based – Engaged individuals, families and communities work with

all levels of government, Aboriginal partners, the not-for-profit, co-op and private sectors to build and maintain healthy, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods.

o Flexible and Long-Term – The strategy will respond to the diversity of Ontario’s communities and the changing needs of Ontarians over the long term.

o Coordinated – Policy objectives such as poverty reduction, economic stimulus, accessibility, energy efficiency and a green economy should be an integral part of housing policy.

o Fiscally Responsible – Achieving the vision will require sustainable investments that are consistent with the fiscal capacity of each level of government.

o Accountable – Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for all partners will help avoid duplication and overlap of services.

o Market Supportive – The strategy will contain a mix of solutions to promote a healthy, diverse housing marketplace that helps Ontarians access affordable housing.


The goals of the proposed strategy are:

o Opportunities for Ontarians to Achieve their Housing Goals – Families and individuals have opportunities and support to obtain affordable housing so that they can succeed and contribute to their communities.

o Local Solutions within a Flexible Provincial Framework – Local governments can apply local solutions to local problems within a flexible provincial framework that links to provincial interests and objectives.

o Innovative Financing and Sustainable Funding – Predictable, sustainable investment and innovative financing by all levels of government.

o Strong, Engaged Housing Partners – Housing partners contribute to achieving

our vision for housing in Ontario through innovation and by applying best practices.

o A Healthy Private Marketplace – Ontario has a healthy private market for housing that meets the long-term needs of Ontarians.

Recommendation #2: Request the Chief Executive Officer to provide a

formal response to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to be shared with the Board of Directors prior to submission;

Public consultations will take place in 12 communities across the province from June to September. Pre-registration is required. In Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, there will be three consultations open to the public: Location Date Venue Peel Region June 29, 2009

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Terry Miller Recreation Centre 1295 Williams Parkway Brampton

Scarborough July 21, 2009 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Sts Peter and Paul Ukrainian Community Homes 221 Milner Ave. Toronto

Toronto July 22, 2009 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Fellowship Towers Retirement Community 877 Yonge St. Toronto


Invitation-only specialized consultations with key stakeholders and industry experts will take place from October to December. People can also participate by filling out an online questionnaire at the consultation’s Web site www.ontario.ca/housingstrategy. They can also mail, e-mail or fax submissions to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2009. The consultation will focus on the following questions:

1. What specific roles should each of the housing partners play in the delivery of affordable housing?

2. What changes are needed to our housing programs to better use resources and improve access to affordable housing? Changes could include modifications to the Affordable Housing Program or the simplification of housing and homelessness programs.

3. What changes are required to the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 to reduce the regulatory burden and improve the management of social housing?

4. What creative new ideas could improve the current housing system? This could include new planning tools, innovative financial options and new green technologies.

5. What should be used as the housing indicator for Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy? In this context, what do terms like affordable, adequate and suitable housing mean to you?

The Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy consultations present a strategic opportunity. Experts, stakeholders and the general public will have a say on the future of Ontario’s housing systems. Participation gives Toronto Community Housing the chance to shape government housing policy and action in a way that enhances Toronto Community Housing’s ability to deliver on its mandate of providing quality housing. The resulting policy and legislative changes will mean more flexibility and ability to create safer and healthier communities, and improved opportunities and quality of life for our tenants. In the 2009-2011 Community Management Plan, the Board identified the desire to formalize an advocacy role for itself. The purpose would be to provide leadership and awareness around issues that have an impact on Toronto Community Housing’s tenants and the communities where they live. There is an opportunity, through these


consultations, for the Board to advocate and influence the shaping of a provincial strategy. Toronto Community Housing is part of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) and has agreed to be part of its lobbying efforts. ONPHA passed a resolution at its October 2008 Annual General Meeting setting its priorities for an effective provincial affordable housing strategy. It is attached to this report for information. CONSULTATION PROCESS: N/A FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: N/A LEGAL IMPLICATIONS: N/A COMMUNICATION IMPLICATIONS: Toronto Community Housing’s Public Affairs staff will work with the Board of Directors to create and implement a comprehensive communications plan in support of Board involvement in the consultations. Toronto Community Housing will be communicating with tenants so they are aware of the consultations to ensure strong representation. Keiko Nakamura A/Chief Executive Officer Attachments 1: Ontario’s Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy

2: ONPHA Resolution: Call for an Effective Provincial Affordable

Housing Strategy

Staff Contact: Jeffrey Ferrier ................................................................. 416-981-4252

Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management ........................................................ [email protected]

ontario.ca/housingstrategy

ONTARIO’S LONG-TERMAFFORDABLE

HOUSING STRATEGYCONSULTATION

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

Making a Difference..............................................1

Housing in Ontario................................................3

Building Stronger Communities................................4

Moving Forward...................................................5

Vision................................................................6

Principles.........................................................7

Goals...............................................................9

How Can We Make Things Better?..............................10

Questions for Discussion.......................................12

How to Participate..............................................13

“We are listening and working with ourpartners to develop a new, long-term housing strategy to make it easier for Ontario families

to find and maintain affordable housing.”The Honourable Jim Watson,

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy Consultation ontario.ca/housingstrategy 1

Making a DifferenceMaking a Difference

The McGuinty government is calling on all Ontarians to take action and help give every Ontario household the opportunity

to have a safe, healthy, affordable place to call home.

Stable and secure housing:

Provides a foundation for people to escape from poverty •and homelessnessReduces the need for more costly government services•Attracts and keeps the skilled workers needed to improve •our economic competitiveness.

Affordable housing is essential to our success as a province. Together, we need to work on ways to increase access to affordable housing for Ontarians.

2 Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy Consultation ontario.ca/housingstrategy

Ontarians and housing experts agree that adequate, suitable and affordable housing options lead to more opportunity in

the lives of families and individuals across the province.

The Government’s Record

The McGuinty government has been acting on the recommendations of our municipal and affordable housing

partners and is investing in affordable housing.

Together with our partners, we have built or repaired 22,000 units of affordable housing, provided rent supplements to almost 35,000 Ontarians and prevented over 18,000 evictions through the Provincial Rent Bank Program.

In challenging economic times, we are taking action to ensure Ontarians have better access to affordable housing. Our government is investing $622 million to match funding announced in the federal government’s 2009 Budget – a combined investment of $1.2 billion for housing. Together, we are building an additional 4,500 units of affordable housing and repairing 50,000 social housing units.

Through these initiatives we maintain our commitment to make iteasierforOntariofamiliestofindandmaintainaffordablehousing.

This is the time to look at the housing systems and programs we have in place and make sure they work for the people in this province, now, and in the future.


Housing in Ontario

Housing in OntarioOntarians and housing experts agree that adequate, suitable

and affordable housing options lead to more opportunity in the lives of families and individuals across the province.

Ontario homeowners – 3.2 million households

Ontario renters – 1.3 million households

20% of Ontario renters live in social housing

Approximately 6,000 Ontarians use shelters on a daily basis


Building Stronger Communities

Housing is important in building strong, sustainable communities. Adequate, affordable and suitable housing

improves the social, environmental and economic well-being of Ontario families.

These consultations provide an opportunity for Ontario to build on recent initiatives and investments, including the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review, and the Review of the Roots of Youth Violence. Our investments in affordable housing and social housing renewal encourage neighbourhood revitalization through public, private and community partnerships that lead to stronger communities across Ontario.

Building Stronger Communities


Moving Forward

The Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy will provide a framework vision, principles and goals for affordable housing

in Ontario over the next 10 years.

Thestrategywillbescalabletoadjusttofiscalrealitiesandchanging economic conditions.

We want your opinion on the proposed vision, principles and goals that will frame our strategy, and help us to identify initiatives that can be undertaken to support these directions.

We want to hear about what’s working well in your community. We want your ideas on how to improve programs and better use our resources to ensure more Ontarians can access affordable housing.

This consultation is about how we make the housing system work better.

Between now and December 31, 2009, we encourage the public, ourpartnersandstakeholderstoprovidepragmatic,specificandaffordable solutions to assist in building this plan.

By working together, we can create a vibrant long-term affordablehousingstrategyfortheprovincethatreflectsthevalues that all Ontarians share.

Visit ontario.ca/housingstrategy to provide your views on the development of a long-term affordable housing strategy.

Moving

Forward


Vision

“To improve Ontarians’ access to adequate, suitable andaffordable housing and provide a solid foundation on which tosecure employment, raise families and build strongcommunities.”

Vision


Principles

People-centredPrograms, services and supports will be responsive to need, and focus on positive results for individuals and families.

Partnership-based Engaged individuals, families and communities work with alllevelsofgovernment,Aboriginalpartners,thenot-for-profit,co-op and private sectors to build and maintain healthy,sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods.

Principles

Key Partnerships


Flexible and Long-term The strategy will respond to the diversity of Ontario’scommunities and the changing needs of Ontarians over the long term.

CoordinatedPolicy objectives such as poverty reduction, economic stimulus, accessibility,energyefficiencyandagreeneconomyshouldbean integral part of housing policy.

Fiscally ResponsibleAchieving the vision will require sustainable investments that are consistentwiththefiscalcapacityofeachlevelofgovernment.

AccountableClearlydefinedrolesandresponsibilitiesforallpartnerswillhelpavoid duplication and overlap of services.

Market SupportiveThe strategy will contain a mix of solutions to promote a healthy, diverse housing marketplace that helps Ontarians access affordable housing.


Goals

Opportunities for Ontarians to Achieve their Housing Goals

Families and individuals have opportunities and support to obtain affordable housing so that they can succeed andcontribute to their communities.

Local Solutions in a Flexible Provincial Framework

Local governments can apply local solutions to local problems withinaflexibleprovincialframeworkthatlinkstoprovincialinterests and objectives.

Innovative Financing and Sustainable Funding

Predictable,sustainableinvestmentandinnovativefinancingby all orders of government.

Strong, Engaged Housing Partners

Housing partners contribute to achieving our vision for housing in Ontario through innovation and by applying best practices.

A Healthy Private Marketplace

Ontario has a healthy private market for housing that meets the long-term needs of Ontarians.

Goals


How Can We Make Things Better?

Moving forward to meet the housing needs of Ontarians depends on collaboration with our partners. Your opinions

will help us to develop a plan for the next 10 years.

Planning ToolsA range of planning authorities and tools at the local level could more effectively support the provision of affordable housing.

A number of partners have suggested using the zoning approval process to require developers to make a percentage of housing units in new developments available to low/moderate-income households.

Government LandsThe use of suitable government lands for the development of affordable housing could be considered within the larger growth and development objectives of Places to Grow. The Province could support the use of its lands for affordable housing, as well as partnering for the use of suitable federal and municipal lands.


Innovative FinancingPartners could identify new sources of capital for the acquisition, building and redevelopment of social and affordable housing.

Flexible FrameworkThe provincial framework for affordable housing could allow local governments to develop housing plans that work best for them,whilereflectingprovincialinterestsandobjectives.Localgovernments would be best positioned to recognize and respond to the diverse needs of their communities, and housingpartners would promote innovation and best practices.

Streamlining ServicesThe Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Reviewreport recommended the consolidation of housing andhomelessness-related programs. Programs should be focused on outcomes and be managed at the municipal level. A streamlined system could help local governments better coordinate service delivery through community human services plans.

Legislative ReformMany in the housing sector have suggested that adjustments are required to the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 (SHRA). The Act should balance partners’ interests and work better with thecurrent needs and requirements of social housing. Theseadjustments would allow local governments and housingproviders to better manage their housing assets and respond to different circumstances across the province, including changing economic and demographic conditions.

Promoting Greener HousingHouseholdsareasignificantsourceofgreenhousegases.Theresidential sector in Canada consumes 17 per cent of thecountry’s energy and produces approximately 16 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gases. Building on initiatives taken under Go Green: Ontario’s Action Plan on Climate Change would reduce the carbon footprint of Ontario’s affordable and social housing sector and reduce energy costs for tenants.


Questions for Discussion

The answers to these questions will help us develop along-term affordable housing strategy for Ontario.

What specific roles should each of the housing partners 1. play in the delivery of affordable housing?

What changes are needed to our housing programs to2. better use resources and improve access to affordable housing? Changes could include modifications to the Affordable Housing Program or the simplification of housing and homelessness programs.

What changes are required to the 3. Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 to reduce the regulatory burden and improve the management of social housing?

What creative new ideas could improve the current 4. housing system? This could include new planning tools, innovative financial options and new green technologies.

What should be used as the housing indicator for 5.

Questionsfor Discussion

Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy? In this context, what do terms like affordable, adequate and suitable housing mean to you?


Questionsfor Discussion

How to Participate

There are a variety of ways to have your say. Between now and December 31, 2009, we encourage the public, our

partnersandstakeholderstoprovidepragmatic,specificandaffordable solutions to assist in building this plan.

Complete the online questionnaire at 1. ontario.ca/housingstrategy.

Attend a consultation session and express your view2. s in person. For session locations and dates, visit the consultation web pages at ontario.ca/housingstrategy.

Mail, fax or email your comments to: 3.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and HousingHousing Policy Branch14th Floor, 777 Bay StreetToronto, ON M5G 2E5Fax: 416-585-7607Email: [email protected]

Have questions?You can call us at 416-585-6377 or toll-free 1-877-224-7271(TTY 1-866-220-2290). You can also reach us by email [email protected].

How to Participate

A hard copy of this publication can be ordered:

Online at serviceontario.ca/publications

By phone through the ServiceOntario Contact CentreMonday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

416-326-5300•416-325-3408 (TTY)•1-800-668-9938 Toll-free across Canada•1-800-268-7095 TTY Toll-free across Ontario•

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

© Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2009

ISBN 978-1-4435-0022-7 (Print)ISBN 978-1-4435-0023-4 (HTML)ISBN 978-1-4435-0024-1 (PDF)

4M/06/09

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2008‐01 Call for an Effective Provincial Affordable Housing Strategy We Resolve that: 1. The Ontario Non‐Profit Housing Association congratulate the Government of

Ontario’s on its commitment to develop both a long‐term affordable housing strategy and a poverty reduction plan.

Principles of an Affordable Housing Strategy: 2. The Ontario Non‐Profit Housing Association recommend to the Government of

Ontario that its long‐term affordable housing strategy adhere to the following key principles:

(a) Incorporate an effective mix of actions that are place‐based (i.e. dealing with buildings and neighbourhoods) and people‐based (i.e. addressing the support and financial needs of those who rely on affordable housing);

(b) Ensure that the housing sector is able to fully meet current and future affordable housing needs from the perspectives of social, financial and environmental sustainability;

(c) Address the full spectrum of affordable housing from alternative/supportive housing to affordable rental to affordable home ownership;

(d) Enable local communities to develop, fund and implement affordable housing solutions that meet their changing local needs and circumstances.

(e) Be developed concurrently with the Government’s poverty reduction plan and incorporate incentives to help people break the cycle of poverty.

ONPHA’s Participation in Strategy Development: 3. ONPHA request that the Government include representatives of the affordable

housing sector, including, given its knowledge and expertise, representatives from ONPHA, in the development of a comprehensive affordable housing strategy.

Resolutions Passed at the 2008 ONPHA Annual General Meeting

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Minimum Components To Be Included in Strategy: 4. ONPHA work with the Government to ensure that the minimum components of

its long‐term Affordable Housing Strategy include:

(a) A comprehensive supply framework consisting of: i) permanently affordable rental housing ii) alternative and supportive housing iii) aboriginal housing

(b) Provincial tools from which local communities can draw to formulate locally customized and municipally‐approved affordable housing plans with such tools including but not necessarily limited to:

i) Grants and low‐cost financing instruments for the construction of new affordable housing units

ii) Rent supplements iii) Portable housing allowances iv) Rent banks v) Inclusionary zoning

(c) Simplified funding programs with multi‐year commitments to stable, predictable, adequate funding that is allocated locally and that provides local flexibility regarding how such funding is to be utilized

(d) A flexible legislative and regulatory framework

(e) Elimination of barriers to Discriminatory NIMBY

(f) A funded capital program permitting repair, regeneration, conversion, intensification, environmental considerations and energy efficiency of existing community‐based affordable housing assets

(g) Mechanisms to assist with the transition from affordable rental to affordable home ownership with related supports

(h) Coordination of all housing‐related programs and the ministries that support them, particularly:

i) The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing ii) The Ministry of Health and Long‐Term Care iii) The Ministry of Community and Social Services iv) The Ministry of Finance v) The Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure vi) The Ministry of the Environment


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(i) Measurable outcomes with a Government accountability framework that is based on those outcomes

Our reasons for making this resolution are: 1. The Government has made a public commitment to developing a poverty

reduction plan.

2. The Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, has stated that the Government “will also be developing a long‐term strategy for affordable housing that is closely aligned with and the poverty reduction plan.”

3. The two primary background conditions leading to poverty are a lack of money and a lack of affordable housing. As such, in order to alleviate poverty, the Government must increase the supply of affordable and alternative/supportive housing.

4. It is widely acknowledged that safe affordable housing is the cornerstone of any successful initiative to eradicate poverty in our society.

5. The Government recognizes ONPHA’s knowledge and expertise, specifically because: (a) ONPHA was instrumental in securing the commitment from government

to develop an affordable housing strategy

(b) ONPHA represents 770 non‐profit providers who have extensive knowledge and expertise about housing, thus constituting a valuable resource for the planning of any future housing initiatives

(c) The non‐profit sector has done extensive research into leading‐edge jurisdictions that have successfully developed and implemented sustainable housing strategies

(d) ONPHA is part of a provincial coalition formed to explore a new housing allowance system as one element of the poverty reduction strategy

(e) ONPHA has delivered a report to MMAH outlining a review of the most recent affordable housing program and how this can be improved in the future

6. Notwithstanding a slow down in the economy, the people of Ontario need an affordable strategy that is effective during both the strong and weaker parts of the economic cycle.


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7. Coordination amongst Ministries to ensure that no segment of the population in need “falls through the cracks” and that the various programs do not work at cross purposes.

8. Housing providers and those delivering support services need to plan rationally and predictably to ensure economic and operational efficiencies so a multi‐year commitments to stable, predictable, adequate funding are essential.

9. While the Canada‐Ontario affordable housing program, and more recently the $80.2 million of federal funds for development of aboriginal housing, provides some modest levels of new affordable housing development, the supply of housing required is inadequate to meet the high demand. This supply shortage needs to be addressed in a more strategic manner rather than only through programs based on funds that are available at the given moment.

10. It has been demonstrated that social exclusion is a strong factor in creating chronic poverty for some people, including people living with mental illness. This means there must be explicit government policies that promote inclusionary zoning and prohibit Discriminatory NIMBY‐ism which otherwise would inhibit the development of supportive housing.

11. As well as having additional money, having tangible assets can also help in the alleviation of poverty. Home ownership can be one such tangible asset. As a result, an effective housing strategy should assist households to move from affordable rental housing to affordable ownership, a move that will also free up community‐based affordable housing rental units for households on waiting lists.

CARRIED 2008 ONPHA Annual General Meeting (October 19, 2008)

Ontario Long-Term Item 4 - Toronto Community Housing · Premier Dalton McGuinty promised to...

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