By Susan White
The region’s decision to sell or lease seven surplus properties for $1 each to non-profit housing providers is a good first step in the struggle to prevent homelessness, says Somerset regional councillor Diane Holmes.
She says that the decision, which was approved by council last month, will help alleviate the housing crisis in Centretown, but adds there is still a lot to be done. “It’s disappointing (because) there are very few and very small properties,” stated Holmes.
Two of the seven properties are on Gladstone Avenue, but both are very small and would require almost complete renovation before they could be occupied. Once finished, they would only house 50 to 100 people, a fraction of the 15,000 who are on the waiting list for subsidized housing.
This is one of the reasons Baseline regional councillor Gord Hunter is criticizing the project. Hunter argues that since the houses on the sites are small, they won’t even begin to help the homeless situation.
Hunter also points out that the region acquired the Gladstone properties at market value as part of a now abandoned transportation initiative. Therefore, he says it’s disturbing that the majority of councillors are willing to sell the sites for $1.
“The idea is loony,” he says. “We owe it to the taxpayers to sell (the properties) at market value.”
He is further concerned that the plan could set a dangerous precedent for regional involvement. At present, the region is only required to maintain its existing properties, not provide new sites for affordable housing. Hunter is worried that this plan could obligate the council in further cases of affordable housing.
Holmes says there is a financial benefit to the proposal. She argues that the region pays a daily rate for those that stay in shelters, and it ends up being more expensive than paying for rent in a housing unit. She says that while the number of people the houses will hold is small, it means 50 less people will be on the streets and in shelters. “At least it’s moving in the right direction,” Holmes argues. “At least we’re starting to work on the problem.”
Luc Ledoucaur, executive director for the Social Planning Council of Ottawa-Carleton agrees. He says that poverty is a serious and growing concern and that he is pleased with “the definite political will to deal with the problem.”
He believes it’s important that resources are put forward to deal with the situation, especially with winter fast approaching.
But both Ledoucaur and Holmes agree that there needs to be a concerted effort by all levels of government, not just the region, to provide the resources to combat homelessness.
“(We’re) continuing to do our part in pressuring the provincial government to do their share,” says Holmes, adding that so far the provincial and federal governments haven’t provided the resources towards affordable housing.