TIMMINS - With work starting on the new housing and homelessness plan for the region, the services board will be looking for public input.
The Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) is updating its housing and homelessness plan to guide the district’s approach to housing affordability and homelessness reduction over the next five years.
At the CDSB meeting on Feb. 20, director of housing Lindsay Cumming provided an update on the process.
“You'll see a survey circulated electronically for residents, as well as municipal surveys that were sent out. We are holding four engagement sessions at the beginning of March, and I'm hoping to have the full plan approved and reviewed by the board in the fall," she said.
CDSB’s 10-year housing and homelessness plan expired on Dec. 31, 2024.
Under Ontario’s Housing Services Act, 2011, all service managers must develop strategic plans to address housing needs and homelessness in their regions.
This renewal allows for an evaluation of past initiatives, identification of ongoing challenges, and development of strategy aligned with provincial priorities, Cumming said.
The updated plan will assess progress made under the current plan, incorporate input from stakeholders, adjust objectives and implementation strategies based on collected feedback, and strengthen collaboration between housing organizations, municipal leaders, and community partners, she said.
A range of engagement methods are being used to inform the plan, including consultations with housing and homelessness experts, public and municipal surveys, and four community group discussions in early March, Cumming said.
These discussions will focus on children and youth services, housing and homelessness alongside mental health and addictions, community development with real estate and economic development, and paramedic, health, and senior services, she said.
CDSB has partnered with the Housing Services Corporation (HSC) to develop the structured five-year plan, Cumming said.
After collecting and analyzing stakeholder feedback, a draft plan will be developed and reviewed. The final plan is expected to be presented for approval at the CDSB’s October board meeting.