Early drawings seen in a presentation to council
Bluewater, is in the throes of an unprecedented housing crisis, particularly affecting individuals with lower incomes who rely on rental accommodations. This crisis has a significant impact on residents providing essential services in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, recreation, arts, and related areas.
A Development Plan Update and Recommendations in regards to the Village at White Squirrel was brought before Bluewater Council once again last Monday (April 15th) in hopes of finding a solution.
Stephen Giustitzia, Development Consultant, who has worked in affordable housing in London started his presentation with a recap of the last time the topic was brought before council.
The challenge lies in the scarcity of affordable and available lands suitable for creating inclusive multi-residential housing, especially within the fast-growing Lakeshore Residential Zone, primarily situated on the west side of Highway 21.
The surrounding areas near St. Joseph, including the Lakeshore Residential zone, face limitations due to existing Official Plan and Zoning By-law restrictions. These constraints hinder the accommodation of higher density affordable housing options, perpetuating the dominance of large single-family residential developments without considering a mix of densities that foster complete and inclusive communities.
To address this pressing need, strategic non-agricultural lands along Highway 21 within the Lakeshore settlement area need to be considered to support comprehensive community development in this transit and linear community corridor.
The Municipal Act allows local governments like Bluewater to prioritize actions addressing local housing needs through a Capital Facilities Housing By-law. However, Bluewater lacks specific policies and tools within the land use planning process to advance this work effectively, leaving site-specific plans without adequate policy guidance.
Giustizia presented the concerns, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive policy changes rather than focusing solely on individual developments like the White Squirrel. These changes are vital to align the official plan and zoning bylaw with evolving community needs and development aspirations.
Discussions with staff have highlighted the urgency of updating plans and policies, prompting recommendations for engaging a third-party planning expert. These expert insights can inform necessary changes and updates, which must be advanced to the Huron County Council for consideration.
During discussions, Bluewater Mayor Klopp stressed the need for comprehensive dialogue and action, acknowledging the complexity of the issues at hand and the importance of affordable housing development.
Councillor Whetstone chimed in and emphasized the complexity of the situation, highlighting numerous factors that need consideration to achieve the end goal efficiently. While the objective may seem straightforward, the challenges ahead require careful navigation and time. Whetstone stressed the urgency of reaching a stage that permits groundbreaking according to the proposed schedule. The focus is on increasing affordable housing and taking immediate action, underscoring the critical importance of addressing these issues without delay.
Council decided to hold a meeting scheduled for April 29th, which will provide an opportunity to delve into these critical matters, ensuring transparency and active collaboration to address the housing crisis and foster inclusive community development.
Written by: K. Milhomens