Rotary Meeting Notes - November 14

There were 26 members in attendance, two on Zoom and one visitor, Robynne Smith, to hear Elis Ziegler, PEC Affordable Housing.

Elis Ziegler is the Affordable Housing Supervisor for the Municipality's Housing Department and the Affordable Housing Corporation. Elis has over 30 years experience managing housing programs and services in rural and urban settings and contributing to sectoral and municipal policy. Elis' current role includes designing and implementing housing projects for the Affordable Housing Corporation, and supporting municipal policy toward new affordable housing developments as well as housing programs in Prince Edward County. Elis lives in Milford.

He said the Affordable Housing Corporation was established as an independent organization from PEC Council in 2018 to address the disconnect between housing availability and the demand for housing. In 2022 it became a hybrid organization model to get administrative help from the County while still working separately to address the housing shortage. The County Housing Plan is on their website. In the scheme of things, it is the first element :

• PEC Housing Corporation - It gathers market data and develops affordable housing options.
• PEC municipality - Overall responsibility for addressing the housing needs.
• Non-profit developers - There are companies who have a track record in building affordable housing.
• For-profit developers - They will be required to include a percentage of affordable housing in their development plans.

The definition of affordable housing being used:

• Rent is affordable if it is 80% of the median market rent in the County.
• Currently, that works out to: one bedroom $740/month, two bedroom $920/month, three bedroom $1,200/month
• The operating costs do not exceed 30% of gross household income.

Because of the volatility in market rents recently, determining these statistics has been a challenge. Since the Housing Corporation started accepting applications for the housing to be built, they have received 300 applications. From the Vital Signs Report research, it is understood that there are 2,000 people in the County who want and need housing. Criterion have been established to screen applicants so that County residents are served by the new builds. Further, the priority is for seniors, singles, BIPOC, LGBQ2 and indigenous persons.

Elis provided an update on the “Duke dome” construction project that was started in 2021. Soil remediation was done around the outside of the building, but after it was demolished it was found the surface where the zamboni used to be stored has to be remediated. The tender request for this work is going out now. It is still expected that the construction will be in 2024. Thirty-six units of one and two bedrooms will be in the apartment facing Niles Street and four 3-bedroom town homes will be on Maple Street. Being considered is for the apartment cladding to be solar panels to generate some of its energy needs.

The other ongoing project is for 12 bachelor and studio apartments to be built in 2024 on Disrali Street, Picton, which will be for 50% indigenous occupants, a project shared by the Tyindenaga band.

The Secondary Suites Pilot Program that provides a $25,000 forgivable loan to provide a suite for 15 years is undersubscribed. Apparently a trades shortage is one of the reasons. The program will be relaunched soon.

Other initiatives include:

• A private developer in Picton is showing some interest.
• Habitat for Humanity has been given land on Bowery Street to construct home(s).
• Base 31 has proposed 5% affordable in their housing development. This is not acceptable. They are being told to look at 20%.
• Home-sharing between a senior who has space and young workers who need a home is being planned. The Housing Corporation will soon be advertising for a housing coordinator, with part of the duties being to recruit candidates on both sides for a home-sharing program. Rotary could assist by advertising the program and recruiting candidates on both sides.
• Club Business

Lyn reminded members again that the Rotary Club of Picton is holding a Ukrainian Dinner Evening 5-9 pm, Saturday November 18 for which all proceeds will go to Ukraine.

David Hawkins suggested that the Wellness Committee include in their mandate to keep track of members who are ill and provide them with a get-well card. David MacKinnon said that he would bring that to the committee.

Norm reported that two young people have been identified for the youth support program.

Norm reported that he has asked the CML Snider principal to suggest students for the Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium (RYLS) for 2024.

Norm reported that the next electronic recycling program will be at Picton Home Hardware on January 21, 2-4 pm. Following that, the next one may be in Wellington.

Howard advised that for the Rotary Christmas party December 15 that the gag gift spending limit is increased to $15.

Peter announced the drone show that is part of the Belleville Festival of Lights in which he will participate is Friday, November 17 at Jane Forrester Park, Belleville.

Peter’s number was drawn for the 50:50, but he did not draw the ace of spades.

HAPPY BUCKS THIS WEEK:  $277 +

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Bottle Depot Volunteers Schedule for This Week