In the Dundas County Housing Report it reads:
“Only 6.5% of food bank clients in Dundas County access subsidized housing… there is no subsidized housing for anyone other than seniors in Dundas County.”
“In North Dundas 30% of homeless individuals have identified as Homeless Veterans”
“There are people in Dundas County living in camping trailers year-round, living fulltime in substandard motel rooms, staying in abusive situations because at least they have a roof over their heads and living in their vehicles.”
“Naomi’s Family Resource Centre - Emergency Shelter
Provides confidential, safe and secure emergency shelter for women with or without children who have been physically, emotionally, sexually or financially threatened or harassed in the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Counties of Ontario Canada. Naomi’s Family Resource Centre (6 rooms, fully occupied at 11 individuals)”
“Projected Employment Growth, 2016-2036”
North Dundas
2016: 4,356
2021: 4,230
2026: 4,027
2031: 3,878
2036: 3,577
Net change: -779
Compound Annual Growth -1.0
In North Dundas “more than 50% of upcoming developments in North Dundas are for multi unit housing including semi-detached and town homes.”
”North Dundas is in the midst of a surge in new housing developments. 350 units are being developed over the next two years which equates to a typical 10 years of housing growth. Of course, this dramatic growth is causing infrastructure issues. Maintaining an adequate water supply is currently the biggest issue facing Winchester and Chesterville. ”
”Habitat for Humanity: North Dundas donated land for one Habitat for Humanity build. South Dundas has donated land for one Habitat for Humanity build. Habitat for Humanity holds interest free mortgages for its homeowners”
The full housing report can be found in the link titled "Dundas County Housing Report" below.
There are good organization and initiatives in North Dundas. One called “drop in,” is held in the Winchester church on Wednesdays from 8-11am. Breakfast is served.
There are 8 recommendations in the Dundas County Housing Report. Many surround the need for data. I believe that this can be achieved. There are calls to work with developers to set aside a portion for affordable housing in exchange for planning concessions as well as to reduce taxes or eliminate them completely for affordable housing units.
I would advocate working with developers to secure affordable housing. Reducing taxes may be an option, however, eliminating them completely would work only on a case by case basis with the option to tax again if plans fail or change. For instance, some charitable organizations do not pay property taxes because of their contributions to society.