Affordable Housing in Georgina

Taken from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), housing is considered “affordable” if it costs less than 30 per cent of a household’s before-tax income. Many people think the term “affordable housing” refers only to rental housing that is subsidized by the government. In reality, it is a broad term that can include housing provided by the private, public and non-profit sectors. It also includes all forms of housing tenure: rental, ownership and co-operative ownership, as well as temporary and permanent housing. Refer to CMHC’s website to learn more.

While the above definition is important for individuals, many other government laws and programs have different definitions of affordable that relate to existing rents and prices.

The Regional Municipality of York is proposing a new housing development at 187-195 The Queensway South that will include 86 affordable housing units, as part of York Region’s response to the housing crisis, and as approved by York Region Council, as well as approximately 8,000 square feet of community space.

Unit type and affordable purchase price

Single-detached - $416,800
Semi-detached - $416,800
Townhouse - $416,800
Apartment - $414,000
 

Unit type and affordable monthly rate

Bachelor - $1,085
1-bedroom - $1,588
2-bedroom - $1,897
3+ bedroom - $1,984
 

York Region is one of the 47 Service System Managers in Ontario that is responsible for the funding and administration of affordable housing programs . York Region is also involved in the development and expansion of new affordable housing. 

Typically, local municipalities like the Town of Georgina have not been directly involved in developing new affordable housing. However, to assist and incent new affordable housing in their communities some municipalities offer fee waivers, deferrals and some funding to assist in the creation and development of needed housing. Some municipalities also offer surplus land and land use planning policies/processes that can reduce overall project costs and expedite the development process to get housing built faster.

Most recently, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) created the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) which provides eligible municipalities with funding to “accelerate” new housing development. This can be through providing new funding to support new infrastructure, i.e., public works, undertaking a review of planning and development policies and procedures, and capital funding to develop new affordable rental units. 

The Town of Georgina successfully submitted a HAF proposal and has until Dec. 24, 2027 to implement the approved objectives, including providing financial incentives to create new affordable rental housing.

• Housing
• Housing affordability
• Applying for subsidized housing

• Housing Options for Seniors - a review of the various options available for older adults in Canada.

• Housing options for Seniors
• Report on Housing Needs of Seniors - A snapshot of the core housing need for seniors and senior-led households.

• Seniors: Find a place to live - See what type of housing is available to you.
• Affordable Housing in Ontario - Learn about programs to help you have a safe and affordable place to call home.
• Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services - Creating safe, affordable housing

• Home and Vehicle Modification Program (March of Dimes Canada) - financial support for permanent residents of Ontario who live with a substantial disability that impacts their mobility and daily function, and who can't afford the modifications they need to maximize their independence.
• Ontario Energy Board - Ontario Electricity Support Program - Reduction of the costs for household electricity for lower-income households.
• No Place to Grow Old: How Canadian Suburbs can become Age-Friendly (Institute for Research and Public Policy)
• National Seniors Strategy – Affordable Housing - Affordable, accessible housing helps seniors age safely and independently.