DNSSAB developing a 10 year plan for housing and homelessness

DNSSAB News Release

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The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) is developing a 10 year plan for housing and homelessness. Developing the plan will include investigating local housing and homelessness issues in Nipissing District, and forming strategies and action for addressing the housing issues and needs.

This plan is mandated by the Province under the Housing Services Act 2011.


“The Housing Services Act 2011 sets out a collaboration between communities and the Province”, says DNSSAB Chair, George Maroosis.

“Communities, like those that make up the District of Nipissing, plan and deliver the services that are needed here, which is why community input is so important. The province oversees these plans and offers policy direction from a provincial point of view.”


The 10-year Housing and Homelessness Plan also serves as a five-year update of the Nipissing District Housing Needs, Supply & Affordability Study (2008).


The plan will involve the following objectives:


1. Assess the Housing & Homelessness Landscape in Nipissing District


2. Assess the Current Housing Needs in Nipissing District


3. Assess the Future Housing Needs in Nipissing District


4. Develop an Implementation Plan


A review of literature on local housing and homelessness that spans the last 30 years in the Nipissing District has been completed as a starting point. for the review.


“It’s important to look at where we’ve been and where we are now, if we’re to plan our direction for the future,” says Housing Services Director, Tom Belanger.


“The next step is to consult with citizens in District communities to gather information on the current and future needs of housing throughout the housing continuum”.*


Public consultation sessions are planned for six communities; three have been scheduled to date:


EAST -Tuesday, March 5, 6:30-8:00 PM, Mattawa Council Chambers (includes Mattawan,
Papineau-Cameron, Calvin)


WEST - Thursday, March 7, 6:30-8:00 PM, Sturgeon Falls Council Chambers (includes West Nipissing, Nipissing First Nation, Nipissing North


CENTRAL - Tuesday, March 26, 6:30-8:00 PM, Royal Canadian Legion, 150 First Ave W, North Bay (Nipissing North)
Sessions will also be scheduled for: CENTRAL - East Ferris, (includes Chisholm and Bonfield) SOUTH - South Algonquin (Nipissing South)

NORTH – Temagami (includes Temagami First Nation, Nipissing North).


The consultations are designed to inform the public, as well as seek input on the local housing and homelessness issues.


David Plumstead Research Analyst with the DNSSAB states that “the public consultations will be a primary data source for the research objectives of identifying current strengths and gaps in the local housing and homelessness service system, and developing strategies to eliminate or reduce the gaps.”


In addition to the public meetings, citizens can offer their input through an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/nipissing_commmunity_consultation


Anyone requesting further information about this plan can send their questions to [email protected]
The plan must be completed by the end of 2013.


*The housing continuum spans all housing needs: see picture above.