The annual report, a collection of quantitative and qualitative data, shows the widening gap between household income and average house prices. Since 2010, the average sale price of a house in the County has more than tripled, while wages have risen 14 percent.

Property ownership is out of the question for many who struggle with the cost of living. The Vital Signs report shows that the average household income in PEC is $75,573, while the Living Wage Network estimates that a family of four needs $80,590 to maintain basic quality of life. 

Going by the median market rate, a simple two-bedroom apartment costs $24,000 a year. The County’s Affordable Housing Supervisor, Elis Ziegler, puts it in even starker perspective: “Fifty percent of people in the County can’t afford a one bedroom apartment.”

High rents and higher purchase prices get in the way of community formation. People are being priced out faster than they are moving in, amounting to a nine percent decrease in population stability. Twenty-five percent of residents live here seasonally in second homes or short-term accommodations. In a rural place, where connectivity is already challenged by distance, it’s a common experience to not have steady neighbours. 

Vital Signs notes that “low availability is driving rental price increases.” One foot on the accelerator belongs to Premier Ford: in his early days in office he ended rent control on all purpose-built rentals built after 2018. 

Only 18 percent of housing in the County is actually available to rent. Of this, nearly 13 percent is Prince Edward Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS)-managed subsidized housing, which has a 7-year waitlist. 

Projects in the works

Hope is on the horizon. The Affordable Housing Corporation is getting ready to build two properties, 52 units total, in Picton and Wellington. 

Next month Council will review final proposals for the public-private partnership development at the former Queen Elizabeth school in Picton.

“Part of the problem with building affordable housing is coming up with a market mix that’s going to work for the developer,” says Mx. Ziegler. They note that the County “put out a broad call” for proposals in order to find a developer that will combine mixed-market housing and community services in one location. Feedback from community consultation meetings has been submitted to proponents. 

Vital Signs reports that “housing insecurity is rising among low-income residents, with rural homelessness often hidden in tents, vehicles, or through couch surfing.” The County has three supported transitional residences for people who have experienced homelessness, including Leeward House, which opened in April – “a drop in the bucket,” says Mx. Ziegler. 

There are many benefits to this model. While helping people move on from the trauma of homelessness, Mx. Ziegler also notes it’s “at least half as expensive as emergency shelters and hospitals.”

For tenants interested in knowing more about their rights and landlords seeking education on their duties, the County’s Housing Help Coordinator is available as a first stop, before cases go to the Landlord Tenant Board. 

Housing Help can connect tenants facing illegal rent hikes, renoviction, or property negligence to Community Advocacy and Legal Centre (CALC) in Belleville.