Understanding Housing Needs in Chatham-Kent
The Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) is a tool to help the Municipality of Chatham-Kent better understand and plan for the housing needs of our community, now and in the future.
This report looks at who lives in Chatham-Kent, what types of housing they need, and where the biggest gaps are. It uses data, surveys, and input from residents and local organizations to get a full picture of our housing challenges.
Why It Matters
Chatham-Kent has been growing steadily in recent years. While this is great for our community, it's also created pressure on our housing market. Many residents — especially seniors, low-income families, and people experiencing homelessness — are struggling to find housing that is affordable, safe, and suitable for their needs.
The HNA helps answer key questions:
- Where is housing needed most?
- What types of housing should we build (size, price, type)?
- How can we plan for a better future for all residents?
How It Will Be Used
This report will guide local decision-making about housing and related services. It helps us:
- Plan for new housing developments
- Advocate for funding from federal and provincial programs
- Make sure services and infrastructure meet the needs of our growing population
It also fulfills a requirement from the Government of Canada for communities like ours to complete a Housing Needs Assessment in order to access key funding programs.
By understanding our housing situation clearly, Chatham-Kent can take smarter steps toward a more affordable, inclusive, and livable community for everyone.
Housing Needs Assessment Report
