The Township of Lake of Bays is considering the construction of six to eight affordable housing units in Baysville, as proposed by the Lake of Bays Housing Initiative.
During a March 10 meeting, Lisa Bixel, a member of the Lake of Bays Housing Initiative and manager of The Pantry Food Bank, presented a proposal to council. The plan is to build four two-bedroom homes and four one-bedroom apartments with on-site space for social or health services to support the needs of young professionals, families, and retirees.
“I think what the main problems are is not that people are just homeless and don’t have money. Some of these people are working. The rents are too high. Food costs are really high. They can’t afford to have programs for their children, medicine costs,” said Bixel.
According to the proposal, Lake of Bays faces a critical housing shortage. By 2050, nearly 630 affordable housing units will be needed to meet current and future demand.
The proposal states that across Muskoka, housing costs have outpaced incomes, adding that per capita, the region has as many homeless or under-housed individuals as Toronto.
“Building housing for people, having them safe in a house rather than on the street, keeps them out of the ER. Their health improves, and it’s been quite successful,” she said.
The initiative is looking to partner with the Bracebridge and Huntsville hospitals to support fundraising efforts. Bixel said they plan to begin broader fundraising in the spring and have already held a clothing drive and pop-up clothing sale, which she said was well received by the community.
The initiative also plans to focus on several other projects, including a retrofit program to help homeowners upgrade to energy-efficient, low-carbon designs and add secondary suites for family or rental income. They aim to create green spaces with shared walkways, fire pits, and gathering areas to foster friendship and safety.
Additionally, they aim to implement sustainable construction using eco-friendly materials and carbon-neutral systems to help protect Muskoka’s environment.
Councillor Mike Peppard suggested that Bixel reach out to the District of Muskoka for assistance in funding the initiatives.
