RECOMMENDED MOTION:

THAT:

The Council of the County of Huron approves the report by Denise Van Amersfoort, Manager of Planning and Barbara Hall, Director of Social and Property Services, titled County Housing Build – Option Details dated July 27, 2022;

AND FURTHER THAT:

The Council of the County of Huron approves the recommendation to construct a 39 unit apartment building containing 10 supportive housing units on the property located at * Gibbons Street, Goderich (former Victoria Public School) subject to an agreement with the owner, the Town of Goderich;

AND FURTHER THAT:

The Council of the County of Huron directs staff to submit a formal proposal and request to the Council of the Town of Goderich to advance the project including initiating planning approvals processes and preparation of an agreement regarding the land;

AND FURTHER THAT:
A by-law be drafted authorizing the Warden and Clerk to execute all required documentation required for the construction of a 39 unit apartment building containing 10 supportive housing units on the property located at * Gibbons Street, Goderich (former Victoria Public School) including planning applications and agreements;

AND FURTHER THAT:

The Council of the County of Huron approves utilizing up to $2,700,000 in reserve funds towards the development with the balance financed through debt financing;

AND FURTHER THAT:

Option 1: 39 Unit Apartment with 10 Supportive Units at * Gibbons Street, Goderich

A 39-unit apartment containing 10 supportive units is proposed for the former Victoria Public School property in Goderich (located on Gibbons Street). The Town of Goderich owns the subject property; County staff have, as directed by County Council, had discussions with the Town of Goderich Administration and they are supportive of this site being proposed.  The units would be a mix of one and two bedroom units and would comprise a blend of socio-economic households including individuals from the County’s By-Name List, Rent Geared to Income (RGI), affordable units.

The supportive units would house individuals identified on the County’s By-Name List (currently experiencing homelessness) and include offices for agencies and medical appointments as well as communal spaces for gatherings. Tenants would have independent living units (ie. individual kitchens, washrooms, etc) and be provided with ‘wrap-around supports’ to help ensure successful tenancy. This option fits a dispersed supportive housing model (ie. having several, smaller facilities located throughout the County rather than one large facility).

The property would require land transfer from the Town of Goderich and planning approvals.

Budget: Approximately 20.4 million plus operating costs for supportive service delivery.

Note: The County will be in a position to apply to Ontario Health for clinician supports once a commitment to a physical build is made. If approved, funding is permanent.

Project Timeline

Staff project a timeline of approximately 24-30 months to complete the approvals processes and construction. This timeline does not include an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.  Several of the components can occur at the same time, which is accounted for in the overall project timeline.

Option 2: Supportive Housing, 10 Unit Facility (Location unconfirmed)

This proposed facility would be for individuals identified on the County’s By-Name List and include offices for agencies and medical appointments as well as communal spaces for gatherings. Tenants would have independent living units (ie. individual kitchens, washrooms, etc) and be provided with ‘wrap-around supports’ to help ensure successful tenancy.

This option fits a dispersed supportive housing model (ie. having several, smaller facilities located throughout the County rather than one large facility). A supportive housing build meets multiple priorities of County Council by providing stable, year round supports to homeless members of our community and shifting away from the temporary shelter model over time.

A potential location has been identified within Goderich. Should the owner, a community organization, agree to partner with the County on the project, staff will bring further information for Council discussion. A decision is anticipated on July 25, 2022. 

Budget: Approximately 5.2 million plus operating costs for supportive service delivery.

Note: The County will be in a position to apply to Ontario Health for clinician supports once a commitment to a physical build is made. If approved, funding is permanent.

Project Timeline

Staff project a timeline of approximately 24 months to complete the approvals processes and construction. This timeline does not include an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Several of the components can occur at the same time, which is accounted for in the overall project timeline.

NEXT STEPS

It is the recommendation of the Staff Housing Committee that Council advance Option 1 at this time as a viable location has been identified. Should Council want to proceed with Option 1, staff will immediately initiate the necessary components as identified in the timeline.

To ensure County Council remains apprised of the status of the build, a new section on the County Council Strategies Priorities Chart will provide monthly updates.

Housing Steering Committee (Meighan Wark, CAO; Mike Blumhagen, Treasurer; Communications Team; Christine Hoffman, Housing Manager; Erin Schooley, Homelessness Program Supervisor; Jeff Kerslake, Technical Services Manager; Sandra Weber, Director of Planning and Development; Victor Kloeze, Senior Planner; Vicki Lass, Director of Economic Development), and Town of Goderich staff.

Capital funding for proposed housing builds will be provided from County reserves and debenture financing through Infrastructure Ontario. Staff would propose debenture financing over a 20-30 year period. The interest and principal payments on the debentures and the annual operating costs will be added to the County’s budget.