Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
MIDDLESEX COUNTY - On July 16, Middlesex County Council convened to address the pressing issue of attainable housing, with presentations from Cindy Howard, General Manager of Finance, and Durk Vanderwerff, Director of Planning and Development.
The meeting began with Howard outlining the background and purpose of the Attainable Housing Review. She emphasized the project’s vision: ensuring every Middlesex County resident has access to suitable housing within their community. “The review examines needs across the housing continuum, identifies gaps, and prepares a municipal strategy to meet current and future needs,” Howard explained.
Vanderwerff provided a detailed overview of the housing continuum, from homelessness to market-rate ownership housing. He stressed the importance of addressing housing challenges holistically and noted the significant roles various government levels play in managing housing and homelessness. “Like many communities in Ontario and Canada, Middlesex faces significant housing challenges,” Vanderwerff said.
The discussion then turned to three proposed strategic roles for the county: Housing Advisor, Housing Advocate, and Housing Funder, each with distinct responsibilities and financial implications.
The Housing Advisor role involves continuing the county’s current functions while using consultants to support local housing initiatives. This option is estimated to cost $100,000 annually for at least three years. The Housing Advocate role, recommended by staff, includes creating a dedicated Housing Advocate position to support local projects, manage funding applications, and collaborate with municipal partners. This approach would cost approximately $500,000 annually. The Housing Funder role, the most comprehensive and costly option, would encompass the responsibilities of both the Advisor and Advocate roles, while also providing direct financial support for housing development projects. The estimated annual cost for this role is $3 million.
Councillor Colin Grantham highlighted the need for expertise and advocacy to utilize available land for housing projects, expressing support for the Housing Advocate role as a practical starting point.
Councillor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson sought more detailed information before fully committing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced relationship with the City of London, which manages many housing responsibilities for the county. “I’m willing to say I’d like more information to come back at budget time,” she noted.
CAO Bill Rayburn highlighted the unique challenges Middlesex faces, including high land costs and the lack of a consolidated municipal service manager status. He acknowledged the significant housing expenditures already in place and suggested that a strategic middle ground could be a feasible approach.
After extensive discussion, council voted to proceed with the Housing Advocate role. This decision includes preparing a detailed Attainable Housing Implementation Plan Report to be considered as part of the 2025 draft budget. This step aims to provide the necessary support and resources to address the housing needs of Middlesex County residents.
