Huntsville Council endorsed the new housing needs assessment in the December 9, 2024, meeting.

According to Tim Welch Consulting, the Town is growing at close to 30% over the next 30 years, being 5.8% higher than the province. The population is anticipated to grow from 21,147 in 2021, to 29,600 by 2031, and up to 29,600 by 2051.

He said that over 34% of the population are over 60 years old, suggesting a need for accessible housing for seniors, in addition to more affordable options for the general population for renting and owning homes.

According to the assessment report, “Huntsville has a lower share of high-earning households compared to the province of Ontario.” 30.1% earn a minimum of $100,000 after tax (36.5% in Ontario), 55.3% earn less than $80,000 (50.3% in Ontario), and almost 38% less than $60,000.

It adds that 18.7% of dwellings were deemed unaffordable, and 25.6% are “unaffordable, unsuitable, or inadequate housing.” Therefore, the Town may need to support the development of new affordable purpose-built rental units to strike a balance with regular rental units to “help bridge the gap.”

Welch also advised that Town priorities should include an increase of affordable and sustainable or energy efficient housing, local and diversified development, communication, and advocacy.

Recommendations include initiatives towards income-based, workforce and senior housing, and an increase in housing density.

Councillor, Cory Clarke, suggested considering how the old tannery company built homes for their employees and how well it worked as a potential planning idea the Town can model moving forward.

Staff agreed it’s an interesting idea and added that they can also look to the District and other levels of government for ideas as well.

Staff will report back in February or March next year with an action plan using the assessment as a guide.