Make affordable housing an election issue

RE: HAMILTON’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS (SEPT. 14)

As I read this editorial I realize that many within our community do not understand the broad definition of affordable housing.

For many it relates directly to social housing, which is still extremely important, but fails to recognize other areas of housing affordability.

The definition of affordable housing, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington, is housing that costs less than 30 per cent of a household’s before-tax income. According to this definition, and factoring in Hamilton’s average home price for August ($550,635), a family in Hamilton would need to make over $150,000 to afford a home.

Affordable housing needs to be examined and addressed at each level of affordability. In addition to addressing our social housing challenges, we also need to support home renting and ownership.

One way is to simplify the process for a homeowner to establish a rental suite in their home, especially within the urban built up area. This would not only increase the available rental stock, but alleviate housing costs for new home buyers and families trying to establish permanent roots within the city.

This, in conjunction with the City of Hamilton’s efforts to increase the number of social housing units, should provide viable and affordable options for many within our city. I agree with The Spectator — it isn’t rocket science. We encourage everyone to make affordable housing at each level of affordability the election issue.

George O’Neill, CEO, Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington