Council to reconsider property sales proposed to enhance City’s Affordable Housing Reserve

BRANTFORD, ON – At their meeting to be held tomorrow August 27, 2024 Brantford City Council will reconsider a staff recommendation to sell a number of City owned properties over an extended period of time, with the objective to use the proceeds, estimated at $12.5 million to increase affordable housing options for individuals and families in need. 

Since Council first considered this initiative in June, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Councillors, alongside City Housing staff, have engaged in a series of ongoing discussions with the property tenants. These discussions have been important to ensuring that tenants are fully informed, supported, and given the opportunity to voice their concerns and questions.

The properties in question, totaling 25 single dwelling homes, were initially acquired by the City of Brantford several decades ago as part of a long-term transportation master plan. Originally intended for construction of the Brantford Southern Access Road (BSAR), the City’s plans have since evolved, and these homes are no longer required for transportation purposes. In light of this and given the urgent need for more affordable housing options in our community, City Housing staff have recommended sale of these properties to reinvest the proceeds into the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve, to be used to help finance the affordable housing development plan as laid out in the Brantford-Brant Municipal Housing Master Plan. In effect, proceeds from the sale of these properties over time will enable the City to invest in three times as many housing units, resulting in assisting three times as many individuals/households. 

Recognizing the potential challenges posed to tenants, in June the City designated Housing staff representatives to offer compassionate, ongoing, individualized support to each household. Tenants have been provided with comprehensive information, including contact details for Housing Stability Workers, Housing Program Coordinators, and the Community Legal Clinic, to assist them in accessing housing supports, including affordable market rent units, rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing, and rent supplements. 

Contrary to initial false impressions, the City never issued evictions notices advising tenants to leave within 30 days. Rather, the City asked that tenants provide notice to the City within 30 days should they have interest in purchasing the property. Tenants interested in purchasing their rented homes were given the first right of refusal before these properties were to be listed on the market. For those unable or uninterested in purchasing, the City committed to a staggered sales process, allowing sufficient time for tenants to transition to alternative housing most appropriate to their needs.

In the spirt of compassion and support, City Housing staff have reached out repeatedly to each affected household, ensuring that tenants are aware of their options and that confirming that their immediate housing situations remain unchanged. Again, the City has emphasized that this process is not an eviction or lease termination but rather the start of a conversation to provide ongoing support throughout a future transition period.

“Simply put, we are bringing this proposal forward so that we can help more people in our community access safe, affordable housing,” said Mary Musson, Senior Director of the City’s Community Services and Social Development Commission. Our approach to this initiative has been centered on compassion and support and under no circumstances would we leave any tenant without alternative housing options. We understand the concerns this process may raise, and we are fully committed to ensuring that every affected tenant is supported through this transition, with access to stable, affordable housing that most appropriately meets their needs."

Tenants will have another opportunity to delegate to Council when the item is reconsidered tomorrow evening. 

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Media Contact:

Maria Visocchi | Director, Communications, Community Engagement and Customer Service
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca

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