Council not expanding current plans for more affordable housing

There is currently a need for affordable entry level housing in North Bay. The average price range of an entry level house in North Bay sits around $280,000 to $320,000.
Councillor Chris Mayne put forth a motion that the city should continue to look for unused areas of the city which could be rezoned to create this affordable housing.

“A perfect example of land that could be rezoned is the area behind the fire station on Marshall Park Avenue in West Ferris. Those lands are zoned as institutional, but there is already a church and two schools within a block or two of the area,” Councillor Mayne said.

He said that the area could potentially be rezoned to create housing at a fair market value.
Councillor Sarah Campbell hoped for full support of this motion.

“We are facing some important issues here. The average one room apartment rental averages $700, 60% of people in North Bay make below $50,000 per year, our vacancy rate is 0.9% which is not healthy and seniors face financial risks because of condominium prices,” she said.

Campbell believes that more affordable housing will be good for supply and demand and it could potentially create tax incentives for the city.

The rest of city council did not feel the same way.

Councillor Dave Mendicino said research and projects to find vacant sites already took place in June and further studies would not be the right move when results from current projects haven’t come to fruition.

“There is currently development for affordable housing taking place on Third Avenue. This is a pilot project and I don’t think we should move forward on other plans until we see the results of this plan,” Councillor Mendicino said.

Deputy Mayor Chirico added that they can’t force developers to go with lower more affordable housing. He also said it would be a burden to staff and that they should wait for staff to update them on current plans before moving forward.

Although the motion was lost Councillor Mayne says he will continue to fight for more affordable housing (not subsidized or low income).

“Affordable housing is great for people who are looking to start a family. Being able to purchase a new house in a community, I believe, really gives a person or family a sense of pride in the community,” Councillor Mayne said.