A simple housekeeping motion to improve some of its legal language almost killed Prince Edward County’s Affordable Housing Corporation at Shire Hall last Tuesday night.

Wellington Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer moved to amend a  motion to clean up the legal description of the Corporation by calling for a staff report to “outline the implications, process, and requirements for dissolving the Prince Edward County Affordable Housing Corporation.” The proposal lost, but only just. It died on a tie vote.

Councillors Engelsdorfer, Prinzen, Pennell, Harrison, Branderhorst and Braney voted in favour of the amendment while Councillors MacNaughton, Hirsch, Grosso, Roberts, Maynard, and St-Jean were opposed.

Mayor Ferguson and Councillor Nieman were absent.

The original motion before Council (which ultimately passed) was more administrative. Following a review of governance documents, County staff determined the corporation’s bylaws could be closer to directives in Ontario’s Municipal Act, things like the composition of the Board, meeting requirements, etc. A service level agreement between PECAHC and the Municipality was also on the table.

An Opening

But Councillor Engelsdorfer sensed an opportunity. In addition to a staff report about its dissolution, his amending motion called for details on legal, financial, and administrative considerations related to the transfer of all of the Affordable Housing Corporation’s assets, liabilities, and responsibilities to the County.

Wellington 
Councillor Corey 
Engelsdorfer moved to amend a  motion to clean up
the legal description of the Corporation —
by calling for a staff 
report to “outline the implications, process, and 
requirements for dissolving the
Prince Edward County 
Affordable Housing Corporation.”
The proposal lost, but only just.
It died on a tie vote.

The councillor acknowledged housing is one of the community’s greatest challenges. He noted that PECAHC was to help deliver affordable rental units and leverage partnerships to increase the housing supply.

But after nearly a decade without any tangible results, never mind affordable units in either Wellington or Picton, perhaps it was time for the County to start encouraging private sector solutions?

“And that’s why I’m asking for a report at this point. We need to have that discussion on where the Corporation is headed and know what options we have. It’s not about abandoning our commitment to affordable housing. It’s about ensuring that commitment is pursued through a model that works, that’s efficient and that ensures public money is being spent wisely.”

Cooler Heads

From the beginning, PECAHC was to encourage socially minded developers to build higher density housing projects with a proportion of affordable units. Some of its projects are close to being realized. 30 Disraeli Street in Picton, which will bring a dozen affordable units to market, is very close to construction. The Pinecrest affordable housing development promises 56 units, but is waiting for federal seed funding and an investment from the  Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation. 

Councillor Phil St-Jean, however, said traction could be coming as soon as this week. The PECAHC Chair signalled a landmark announcement was in the works.Meanwhile, private developers swooped in last year, attracted by major development opportunities at the former Queen Elizabeth school and on Nicholas Street, above Delhi Park, in Picton. Nicholas Street is also poised to begin construction. 

Detractors, however, point to the former Dukedome property on Niles Street in Wellington where, in spite of desperate need, there doesn’t seem to be much action taking place. 

Affordable Housing Supervisor Elis Ziegler admitted that PECAHC, like other similar entities across Ontario, has been slow to build steam. But the supervisor reminded councillors the County’s strategic plan identifies affordable housing as a priority, and that 1,300 units must be built.

Councillor Roberts said he’s enthused there are some “pretty important announcements” coming from PECAHC.

“In good faith, I think we should give some time and space to deliver,” Mr. Roberts said. “Let’s give the Affordable Housing Corporation the time to realize some of the things we are told are about to be realized.”