The Paris Independent
8
February 17, 2024
COMMUNITY NEWS Of the households on the waitlist, 37 have been granted "special priority program status," indicating they have experienced abuse or human trafficking. These applicants receive priority placement. Another 149 households hold "urgent priority status" and face imminent homelessness or are already without a home. The city has set a target of creating 506 new municipally owned and managed affordable housing units in Brantford and Brant by 2030. Musson expects the current wait times for community housing to decrease once several new construction projects are completed. Notable developments include a 26-unit building at 177 Colborne St. W. in Brantford, a 49-unit development at 170 Trillium Way in Paris, and the rehabilitation of Lucy Marco Place on Queen Street in Brantford, resulting in 54 units.
Musson emphasized that these upcoming developments will primarily focus on one- and twobedroom units, catering to the demographic in greatest need of affordable housing—singles and couples. During the meeting, MPP Will Bouma and MP Larry Brock were present at the council's request. A strong message was conveyed to them, underscoring the urgent need for increased provincial and federal funding to support affordable housing initiatives. Councilor Miller from the County of Brant raised several pertinent points and unreservedly emphasized the necessity for additional funding. The meeting also revealed an intriguing statistic: Only 6 percent of households on the waiting list originated from the County of Brant.