Housing advocates have unveiled what they say is a no-cost solution to Ottawa’s low-income housing crisis, but some Centretown residents remain sceptical.
The Ottawa Social Housing Network urged city council on Thursday to establish a $15 million annual fund to create and maintain affordable housing using money that will be freed up when the province takes over costs for several social services.
Dubbed “The Housing Answer,” the plan would see the city build 1,000 new, affordable housing units and fix some 1,500 existing units.
“City Council has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually end the housing crisis in the City of Ottawa without raising taxes or increasing the City budget,” said network chair Ishbel Solvason, in a news release.
The 1990s saw the provincial government download social service costs to municipalities. Recently, the province announced it would “upload” or take back those costs for some social services.
According to the network, that stands to free up $40 million in municipal funds by 2011, and almost $80 million per year by 2018.
Solvason said the city has an obligation to spend that money on what it was originally intended for: social programs.
But Eric Darwin, who runs the local blog WestSideAction, criticized Solvason for suggesting her plan won’t cost taxpayers.
He pointed out that the money will still come from taxpayers and added that the provincial government, which would cover the difference, is already running a deficit.
However, he agreed that current city policy makes it difficult for many people to afford rent.
“I’m in favour of affordable housing,” he said, adding it was only rational that the network should try to get funding where they could.
“They’re getting in line with their hand out,” he said.
According to the network, half of all income earners in Ottawa can’t afford the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment and the cost for emergency shelter spaces is projected to double over the next 10 years if the city’s housing crisis isn’t solved.