By
Richard Drdla, on December 2nd, 2010
This guide identifies the main aspects of inclusionary housing that should be addressed in order to implement an effective program, and also the main principles and key practices that should be followed when addressing those aspects.
It does not attempt to draft a model bylaw nor to set out specific regulations. In many cases, those regulations will depend upon the particular needs, conditions and priorities of each municipality. Also, in some cases (and as also noted here), they still will require further study and research.
The guide draws to a large extent upon the inclusionary housing practices used widely across the US. These practices in the main follow a common model and use a similar set of rules and procedures. This model is generally called inclusionary zoning, and might be described as American-style inclusionary housing. In any case, this particular model has not been used in Canada.
It is not expected that the American model will be fully adopted in this country. Different priorities, regulations and mechanisms are likely to emerge here. Also, some of the aspects of the US programs cannot be readily imported. Nevertheless, considering that these practices have been tried and tested for well over 30 years and in many different communities, this experience offers an invaluable starting point for developing corresponding programs in this country.
Read the full guide
By
Richard Drdla, on December 2nd, 2010
This report reviews the affordable housing mandates that have been used by uppertier jurisdictions in the US and Canada. The mandates include those in the four states of New Jersey, California, Massachusetts and Connecticut; the two provinces of British Columbia and Ontario; and the two metropolitan areas of Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota (also called the Twin Cities).
These mandates in various but similar ways harness the planning regulations and associated development approval process to assist in the provision of affordable housing.
These mandates go well beyond expecting municipalities to use what might be called good planning practices — like providing sufficient development land, zoning for higher densities and cutting municipal red tape.
Under these mandates, municipalities are obliged to support the provision of affordable housing in an affirmative way. That means that the municipalities are required to assist in some way that will lower the cost of the housing, and make it affordable specifically to lower-income households.
These mandates set quantified targets for the municipalities as a way of defining their obligations or measuring their performance. In some cases, these targets are set through a specific allocation assigned to each municipality, and in others, through a standard minimum quota applied to all.
Read the full report
By
admin, on October 24th, 2010
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is undertaking a review of the Provincial Policy Statement on land use and planning. A strengthened Provincial Policy Statement can be an important tool for communities across the province to ensure all Ontarians have access to a healthy and affordable home.
Read the Wellesley Institute submission to the review.
Submission to the review can be made until October 29, 2010. Please consider writing your own submission or sending a letter of support for the Wellesley Institute submission.
Submission may be sent to
Provincial Policy Statement Review
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Provincial Planning Policy Branch
777 Bay St., 14th Floor
Toronto, ON M5G 2E5
If you make a submission or write a letter please send a copy to
Michael Shapcott, Director, Affordable Housing and Social Innovation
The Wellesley Institute
45 Charles Street East, #101
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4Y 1S2
michael@wellesleyinstitute.com
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