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Media Release

United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Studying Ways to Address Public Housing Funding Gap

May 28, 2008

Faced with aging public housing buildings and rising costs, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville is seeking new ways to regenerate properties to maintain public housing without burdening local taxpayers.

The United Counties' public housing is a physical asset, the value of which the Counties is committed to preserving and enhancing.

The United Counties are studying options for regenerating public housing buildings, which are projected to cost $1 million per year to keep in good repair over the next 30 years. We are looking at the federal funding for social housing coming to an end in the future. We need strategic thinking today to address these challenges.

A special Ad Hoc Committee comprised of elected representatives from Joint Services and senior staff has been established to review options. A report to the Joint Services Committee of Leeds and Grenville in the future will present options as to where the Counties can realize the greatest benefits.

"Regeneration has the potential to help us maintain public housing more cost effectively well into the future," Pickard says. "It may also offer opportunities to add to our property tax base and attract economic spin-offs that benefit our communities."

Since options for regeneration are still being studied, it is not clear whether or how those living in public housing may be affected, however, the Joint Services Committee has adopted a set of "tenant principles" to help guide the project.

"All options will need to consider the potential impacts and benefits to our tenants, the community and the affordable housing supply," Pickard said. "Whatever we need to do, we must ensure that tenants are treated fairly and compassionately."

For information contact:

Warden Jim Pickard (613) 342-3840

Steven Silver (613) 342-3840, ext. 2301