By Emily Keller

Affordable Housing

City continues work on Affordable Housing Strategy

Nov 6, 2019 | 3:29 PM

The city is moving forward with its 2020-2030 Affordable Housing Strategy.

After public delegations and discussion at Tuesday’s Council Committee of the Whole meeting, the idea of a municipally run housing corporation remained contentious.

Representatives of the private housing and development industry in Grande Prairie presented to council, expressing their frustration with the possibility of a city-run housing corporation, specifically with what they feel is the city getting involved in a private market, and the cost to taxpayers that the corporation would have.

Community members also presented, raising concerns about the need for recognition of youth needs and mental health and addiction support.

While many motions were put forward, only a few passed, says Mayor Bill Given.

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“One, to go forward with the housing corporation, was lost, and one to go forward without the housing corporation, was also lost on tie votes. So, in the end, the motion that was successful was to approve the plan with an amendment to basically allow administration more flexibility to come forward with other options.”

Given says that despite concerns raised by industry and the community, the strategy was built on a year of work and that it addresses a large issue.

“I think a key point in the plan is that by 2030, we’re going to need nearly 1,000 new units that are available to people at a below-market rental rate, and at this stage, without a plan, it’s unlikely that we would be able to address any of that upcoming demand.”

Given says that the amended plan will return to council at a later date, most likely after next week’s budget deliberations.

It is then up to city council to approve the plan.

The Affordable Housing Strategy is still available to be viewed online, although the public survey has closed.