Just ahead of National Housing Day on Nov. 22, Northumberland’s Intermunicipal Taskforce on Housing and Homelessness is looking to shine a light on the region’s most pressing housing challenges.
The taskforce is bringing together municipalities to advance “practical housing solutions.”
Earlier this year, the taskforce hosted a housing solutions workshop with more than 40 participants, which included builders, lenders, planners, and elected officials.
Hosted in partnership with the Northumberland Builders and Contractors Association, the day was designed to identify practical ways to accelerate housing development, explained advocates.
“The workshop and learning sessions show the power of collaboration,” said taskforce co-chair and Port Hope Coun. Clarie Holloway Wadhwani. “By bringing diverse perspectives together, we are finding areas of common ground and specific actions that can make a difference for our communities.”
Recommendations were also gleaned from the workshop, with a focus on improving flexibility in municipal planning, streamlining approvals, and strengthening communication among partners.
Learnings have also prompted the taskforce to issue a summary and recommendations report, which has been shared with all lower-tier councils across the county and received endorsement to advance on shared solutions from six of the municipalities, said the taskforce, which is now also sharing its report publicly.
Meanwhile, another recent learning event hosted by the taskforce brought together municipal staff, local builders, and industry experts to explore opportunities for shared wastewater servicing. This collaborative session examined how shared systems could unlock new housing options by supporting smaller, more affordable lot sizes in rural areas while improving environmental outcomes, explained the taskforce.
“This is about collective learning and local action,” said Cramahe Coun. Sherry Hamilton. “Each community faces unique challenges, but by working together, we’re finding the tools that work best in Northumberland.”
The full report is accessible here.
