The District of Muskoka has increased affordable housing delivery in the region by 168 per cent over the last three years.
That’s according to District officials, who said approximately 340 new homes will be built by the end of this year, representing an increase over the annual production levels seen prior to 2023. This follows a shift from an average of 19 units funded per year to a more recent average of 51.
Jeff Lehman, District Chair, said they have been able to do that primarily through partnerships with local developers, in which they contribute some funding and, in exchange, the developers offer the apartments at lower rent.
“We have been able to triple the number of affordable housing units that are built in Muskoka over the last three years. We have really increased the number of rental apartments that are either subsidized or at below market rates,” said Lehman.
According to Lehman, last year their wait list dropped by about 10 per cent, and it’s continuing to decline with new supply, new partnerships, and recently launched programs.
Lehman said they recently built a new building at 100 Pine Street in Bracebridge, which is now occupied and provides 44 apartments, primarily for seniors on the social housing waitlist.
“For every one of those folks who were able to find a new affordable place to live, it can be life-changing. In many cases, there were people who were living in their cars, folks who were experiencing homelessness and living in the bush or on the street,” he said.
Additionally, Lehman said they have launched the Development Charges Forgivable Loan Program for first-time homeowners and the Head Lease Funding Program for developers and landlords.
“We can’t do this alone, and we shouldn’t try to,” he said, adding the district’s efforts require partnerships with other levels of government and the home-building industry, as demand and costs continue to rise. He also said the district is exploring new technologies.
Lehman also said they are continuing their support for the Muskoka Community Land Trust, which is a community-led, nonprofit organization that benefits Muskoka by acquiring and stewarding land to develop permanently affordable housing, social enterprise and food security.
