The town is taking the last step toward beginning its investigation of housing gaps in the community.
A request for proposals was issued last week seeking a third-party contractor to undertake a survey.
The goal of the survey is "to assess existing and proposed housing stock to determine gaps in the housing continuum ... to identify priority areas of housing need for the segment of the population unable to access safe, suitable and affordable housing (either rental or ownership)."
Corinne Burns, the Cochrane Society for Housing Options' (CSHO) housing coordinator, said the hope is the survey will generate considerable community engagement to identify the housing needs in Cochrane.
We do see a shortage of housing with support for people who might have some kind of disability or challenge," said Burns of possible needs. "There is some senior housing, but that's not completely meeting the needs."
Surveying should begin this fall with the intent of having a report completed by June of 2020.
Burns said from there, the town will identify what part it could play in addressing the housing gaps, adding the survey will be available to outside organizations. Those organizations can utilize the document to develop a business plan or submit grant applications to develop housing options.
Council allotted $25,000 for the survey back in July with the aim of investigating options around "affordable housing, seniors housing, shelters and youth homelessness."
At the time, the town stated options for addressing specialized housing could also include "redeveloping municipally-owned land in the town’s tri-site area."
The CSHO operates the local affordable rental housing program on behalf of the town, advocates for a full range of housing, provides community education on housing-related topics, and owns and operates Home Reno Heaven. CSHO also works with other organizations in the Cochrane area that support individuals with housing needs not currently served by the housing market.
The last housing needs assessment and implementation plan was completed in 2009. A new study is required to apply for capital funding through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund and other grants.
