Item - 2015.AH2.5

The Affordable Housing Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council request the Director, Affordable Housing Office and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration to coordinate Toronto's submission to the Province of Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy Update consultation, in consultation with the City Manager's Office, Toronto Community Housing, other relevant divisions and agencies and other relevant parties, consistent with City Council's existing policies, to ensure that the City's submission strongly reiterates the request for inclusionary zoning powers for the City of Toronto to ensure more affordable rent and homeownership units are built throughout the City, and to submit the submission prior to the deadline of July 3, 2015.

On April 14, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced the launch of consultations to support a renewed Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy, first released in 2010.  Through this 5-year review, the Province plans to update the strategy, outline progress to date and identify future goals and areas for additional work with partners. The consultation period closes on July 3, 2015.

In its announcement, the Province referenced the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy, outlining its goal of ending homelessness "by making investments in homelessness prevention, expanding access to supportive housing and investing in more affordable housing."

The Province's Consultation Discussion Guide is attached and more information on the consultation is available at:

http://news.ontario.ca/mah/en/2015/04/ontario-launches-public-consultations-to-improve-access-to-affordable-housing.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p

The Province's review of its Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy coincides with Toronto's 5-year review of Housing Opportunities Toronto: An Affordable Housing Action Plan 2010-2020. Approved by City Council on March 31, 2015 the HOT review work plan will include the release of a 5-year report card on progress to date, a targeted public consultation process and a report to Council in early 2016 on proposed changes to update the City's 10-year action plan.