Chatham-Kent - The Municipality of Chatham-Kent now has a full copy of its Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy document available on the municipal portal (http://www.chatham-kent.ca).  

 This Housing Study was prepared between January and June 2006 by SHS Inc. on behalf of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.  It included the entire spectrum of housing, from the private market to publicly-funded housing.  Preparation of the document was a community effort, involving a Steering Committee of 15 private, public and non-profit sector representatives, plus nearly 90 representatives of housing and housing related organizations that participated in interviews and/or surveys.  As well, two open public Focus Group meetings were held.

Chatham-Kent Council received the Housing Study at their July 24th, 2006 regular Council meeting.  The document contains 57 recommendations, which are grouped around four broad housing directions:  (1) Housing Choices; (2) Housing Affordability; (3) Housing Quality; and (4) Housing Supports & Services.  Administration has been directed to come back to Council with an implementation plan to approach all 57 recommendations.

“The Housing Study is a terrific resource of information for both private and public sector organizations involved either directly or in-directly with housing,” said Shelley Wilkins, Director of Social Housing.  “For example,” she added “local citizens interested in getting a local Habitat for Humanity chapter started for Chatham-Kent are now using the information from the Housing Study to complete the detailed needs assessment that Habitat for Humanity Canada requires.”

“At present our Chatham-Kent Community Strategic Plan is all but silent on the topic of housing.  We now have solid data and directions that will facilitate adding housing goals and objectives to our Plan,” Senior Planner Gerry Murphy noted.

To view or to download a copy of the full Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy document (or Housing Study), visit http://www.chatham-kent.ca.

For further information, please contact cksocialhousing@chatham-kent.ca or call 519-351-8573.