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Funding for second suites in rural Simcoe County

Simcoe County is making it easier for people living in rural areas to stay in their home community, rather than line up for affordable housing units in Barrie, says the county’s social housing director Cathy Kytayko
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County of Simcoe

Simcoe County is making it easier for people living in rural areas to stay in their home community, rather than line up for affordable housing units in Barrie, says the county’s social housing director Cathy Kytayko.

“It’s about increasing the options for people. A second suite may be created if there’s a friend or neighbor someone wants to help. It’s a win-win program,” Kytayko said in an interview.

“It’s also a win for homeowners, because they can increase their income to help them cover their mortgage.”

County council has approved guidelines for the program that will hand out more than $1 million this year in forgivable loans of up to $25,000 to homeowner wanting to add a second or garden suite.

Because it’s a county program, the county can create its own guidelines, said Kytayko, which allows for more flexibility in the county that’s a mix of rural, suburban and urban communities.

The county, which administers social housing for not only its 16 member municipalities but the cities of Barrie and Orillia, saw demand rise 4.8 per cent in 2014. There are a total of 2,921 families on the wait list for housing.

County statistics show there were 1,184 families waiting for a one-bedroom unit in Barrie at the end of 2014, as well as 300 for two-bedroom units and 254 for three-bedroom units.

Barrie units were most in demand, followed by Orillia and Midland.

Kytayko said as more subdivisions are built outside in smaller communities, the options should open up for those who choose to stay close to their families even if they need more affordable housing.

“We have a shortfall (of affordable units) and county council decided to support initiatives to increase the supply,” she added.

Funding for the second suite program will be handed out on a first come, first served basis.

The county will host two public information sessions on May 31 at the Simcoe County Museum, one from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and the second one from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

More information is also online at simcoe.ca/ontariorenovates.

The county’s affordable housing strategy aims to create 2,685 new affordable units by 2024 and tools to achieve that include not only the second suite program, but also rent supplements, new construction and home ownership down payment assistance.