The Official Tanya Hutchens .ca

Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut, the territory in the eastern Arctic that became self-governing in 1999. With a population of around 6,000, Iqaluit is relatively small but fast-growing–its population doubled between 1999 and 2006 and is expected to double again by 2015. Nurturing the homeownership market and encouraging affordable homeownership are among the many goals the City has integrated into its planning.

Iqaluit (formerly known as Frobisher Bay) is on Baffin Island. It faces many challenges as Nunavut develops its own infrastructure and all levels of government explore the viability of an integrated deepwater port. The physical terrain, says Tanya Hutchens, presents construction challenges, as do the costs and availability of materials and skilled labour. Moreover, there are market distortions peculiar to the Far North. Only 20% of the territory population owns their own homes and in Iqaluit 37% of residences are owned. In consideration of the higher housing costs both rental and homeownership in Iqaluit, the federal government and other employers offer subsidized staff housing as a benefit to attract employees and this is a significant factor to keep in mind when looking at homeownership. As recently as 1996, 59% of the population of Nunavut lived in public housing, where as in Iqaluit 17% of residences are public housing.

To add to its other challenges, Nunavut and the Far North in general appear to be experiencing the effects of climate change sooner and with greater impact than the rest of the world. Undaunted, the City laid the groundwork to face these varied issues in its Core Area and Capital District Plan completed in 2004. More importantly, the City began implementing the plan in October 2004 by reserving lots in its new Plateau sub- division for affordable housing. The City is unequivocal that it is not a housing developer and has clearly made it known that it will use its planning authority and land base to encourage sustainability and the kind of housing it wants.

The Affordable Housing Solution

In Phase I of the new Plateau subdivision, Iqaluit designated two medium-density lots for affordable ownership by offering a reduced land price. Each lot had capacity for a fourplex of two-bedroom units. The successful developer sold all units before construction began. The sale prices were in the $200,000-$225,000 range, which is affordable given Iqaluit’s market conditions. Two-bedroom apartments were renting for between $1,700 and $1,800 monthly; the median household income was $69,650 and the average $78,644 in 2001. Households in the $60,000-$66,000 income bracket could afford the price range of the eight affordable units.

In the proposal call used to allocate those lots, the City specified standards and evaluation criteria to guide interested developers. All units were to be attached, ground-level units with individual entrances, with special attention to sound attenuation. The lower the selling price within a specified range of affordability, the higher the proposal would score. Affordability was measured on a sliding scale of estimated sale prices. For example, units selling at less than $210,000 received 20% of the potential score and those from $230,000 to $239,000 5%. The percentage applicable to sustainability features beyond those required in the subdivision plan was also set at 20%.

The land price for the whole subdivision was based on the pro-rated costs to service the lots in the subdivision. But the prices were adjusted to reflect other factors the market would recognize. For example, lots with views on the water and other factors deemed desirable were assigned a premium price. Those premiums offset the lower prices for the lots designated for the affordable homeownership sites.

The City leases the lots to the homeowners for a 30-year term with an automatic renewal for another 30-year term at a cost of one dollar. These equity lease rents can be paid upfront as a capitalized rent at the beginning of the lease or paid over the first 15 years of the term. If the equity lease is paid upfront in a lump sum, the lessee pays a discounted rent amount. It should be noted CMHC allows Equity Leases to be included in mortgage costs, which may further assist in reducing land costs. The latter rent payments are adjusted to include interest reflecting the City’s carrying costs in providing the infrastructure to service the lots.

Another three medium-density lots designated for affordable homeownership will be made available through a proposal call in the next year for the phase II potion of the Plateau subdivision. The City of Iqaluit received assistance in preparing its Core Area Plan from CMHC and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Enabling Funds. In 2005, the Plan won an award from the U.S.-based Environmental Design Research Association for its sensitivity to the Arctic environment, respect of Inuit culture and creativity in its vision for the new capital. The Plan also received an Award of Excellence from the Alberta Association of the Canadian Institute of Planners in 2006. What a great example, says Tanya Hutchens.

Somerset Gardens provides homeowner and rental housing for a range of income levels under one roof. Recognizing that saving for a down payment can be a challenge for lower- to moderate-income households, Teron International, a local builder, started the Assisted Home Ownership Program (AHOP) with support from the City of Ottawa. The Multifaith Housing Initiative, a charitable organization focused on providing affordable housing in the community, purchased 10 units for affordable rental housing.

The Affordable Housing Solution

Somerset Gardens is an 11-storey, 119-unit apartment building. Services, shops and public transit are right outside the building’s front door, which is great, says Tanya Hutchens. The apartments feature large windows, five appliances and a balcony. The building’s roof is accessible to all residents and provides a shared green space where people can gather.

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church provided the downtown building site at market value on the condition that the developer build affordable housing according to the City of Ottawa’s criteria. Teron International approached the City of Ottawa with a solution to build 100 per cent affordable homeownership housing without government subsidies. The City agreed to support the AHOP with Teron to reduce purchase prices for qualifying homebuyers. Around the same time, the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI), a coalition of over 40 Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish faith communities and many individuals, became interested in purchasing some units to provide affordable rental housing.

The AHOP also allows purchasers to buy a unit with as little as one per cent down payment and amortize their mortgage for up to 40 years with mortgage loan insurance from CMHC. The $11,000 assistance does not require repayment while the family lives in the unit or if it sells the unit to another qualifying household. Prices in Somerset Gardens ranged between $147,000 and $207,850 (in 2006), which makes it possible for qualifying households to be homeowners while spending less than 30 per cent of their income on housing.

The MHI purchased 10 units from Teron with the goal of renting six to households on the City’s social housing waiting list and four at average market rates. The MHI created an “ethical investment fund” which has gathered approximately $540,000 in equity through gifts, low, no interest and RRSP loans from its supporters. The City contributed a $300,000 capital grant ($30,000 per unit) for the 10 units. The federal government, through CMHC, and the Ontario government provided $600,000 for the financing of the rental units through the Affordable Housing Initiative.

With up to 40,000 reported cases in Canada each year, says Tanya Hutchens, basement flooding is a serious problem in many parts of the country. Damages resulting from a flooded basement average between $3,000 to $5,000. These costs will likely be higher for basements with extensive finishings. Plus, in addition to the mess and inconvenience, flooding can cause health hazards, and lead to structural damage.

To help you protect your basement, the health of your family and your pocketbook, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a number of practical steps you can take to avoid basement flooding in your home, including:

• Clean debris from your eaves troughs on a regular basis, and make sure your downspouts extend at least 1.8 meters (six feet) away from your basement wall, and drains away from your house toward the street, rear yard or back lane. If your downspouts are connected to your home’s sewer system or weeping tile, disconnect them.
• If the land around your home slopes inward, fill in and grade the ground so that it slopes away from your house for at least 1.8 metres (six feet) out from the foundation. Also, examine sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways to be sure they aren’t causing water to drain back towards your basement walls.
• If your drainage system tends to overload, consider installing one or more flood proofing devices, such as a sump pump or back flow valve. Some devices may require a plumbing permit, so check with your municipal office or a qualified plumber before carrying out any installation. Plus, keep all flood proofing devices and plumbing fixtures clean and well maintained, and have a qualified plumber inspect them regularly to ensure that they’re operating properly.
• For severe storms or power blackouts, you may want to invest in a battery-powered backup sump pump, or a water-powered pump that runs by city water flowing through the pump impeller.
• Install impermeable floor finishes such as ceramic tile to lessen the potential damage from flooding in your basement, and to make clean-up easier and less expensive. Use wall finishes that can be easily removed or are not susceptible to mold growth. In addition, make sure any furniture in the basement has legs to keep the fabric off the floor, and consider using area rugs as an alternative to broadloom for easier removal and cleaning.
• Finally, check with your insurance agent or broker to ensure that you have adequate coverage against flood damage. Keep your insurance policies and related records in a safe location that is easily accessible after an emergency, and maintain a detailed inventory of everything in your residence for use in the event of a loss.

For more information or a free copy of the “About Your House” fact sheet Avoiding Basement Flooding or other fact sheets on virtually every facet of owning, maintaining or renovating your home, ask CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 CMHC is Canada’s national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.

Every three minutes, says Tanya Hutchens, a home in Canada is burglarized. Many of those break-ins occur while the homeowners are away. But burglaries can also take place when you are at home, at any time of the night or day.

To help lock crime out of your home and keep your house and your family safe and sound, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following tips:

• Make sure your lighting and landscaping offer a clear view of your house from the street. Keep your windows and doors free of trees, bushes or other obstructions that could provide a hiding place for someone trying to break in. Entrances with good visibility and good lighting let thieves know that your home is not an easy target.
• Secure all doors at all times with good quality deadbolt locks. While horizontal deadbolts are generally more popular, vertical deadbolt locks are actually the most effective option available.
• When choosing a deadbolt, make sure that part of the bolt remains in the lock when in the locked position. The body of the lock should be made of solid steel, brass or bronze and it should have a solid or hardened ring or bevelled housing to protect the cylinder from being twisted off with a wrench. This cylinder should have at least five pins and you must be able to unlock it without keys from the inside.
• To further secure the entrances to your home, protect the hinge pins on all doors so they can’t be removed from the outside. To secure patio doors, consider installing an anti-Jimmy plate or adding safety bars and auxiliary locks.
• Use the viewer in your front door to see who is there before you open it.
• To keep would-be intruders from using your garage to enter your home, make sure everyone in your family knows to keep your garage door closed and locked at all times. Never leave the remote control for the garage on your car’s visor and don’t keep maintenance receipts or anything else with your address on it in your car.
• If you live in a remote area or spend prolonged periods of time away from home, consider investing in a burglar alarm system. A carefully selected and properly installed alarm can provide you and your loved ones with some welcome peace of mind.

For more information on how to protect your house ask CMHC at 1-800-668-2642. For more than 60 years, notes Tanya Hutchens, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.

FERGUS, April 24, 2009 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the County of Wellington today announced the start of construction of 55 new affordable housing units for individuals with special needs. The Gordon Street Apartments, sponsored by the County of Wellington, received more than $3.8 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program towards this initiative.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Liz Sandals, Member of Provincial Parliament for Guelph, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Joanne Ross-Zuj, Warden for the County of Wellington made the announcement today.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Minister Finley. “Through this investment, we are making an important difference in the lives of seniors, families and individuals in Fergus who are working towards building a stronger and better future for themselves.”

“Our government is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said MPP Sandals. “These units are going to make a significant difference in the lives of the people who call them home.”

“The County of Wellington is pleased to partner with the federal and provincial governments to construct 55 new Affordable Housing units in Centre Wellington,” said Ross-Zuj. “Adequate shelter is the foundation upon which healthy communities are built. The County of Wellington is committed to providing safe and affordable housing for lower-income seniors, families and individuals in need of assistance.”

Tanya Hutchens says, The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will have invested at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

Last fall, notes Tanya Hutchens, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.

WATERLOO REGION, April 17, 2009 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Region of Waterloo and the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) celebrated the launch of the Sunnyside Supportive Housing and Seniors Wellness Centre project. The project will be the first of its kind, says Tanya Hutchens, in Waterloo Region — an affordable seniors housing complex, offering funded care and support services, coordinated by an on-site case manager.

The project was officially launched by Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the Honourable David Caplan, Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care; the Honourable John Milloy, Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Waterloo Regional Chair Ken Seiling; and WWLHIN Board Chair Kathy Durst.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Stephen Woodworth. “Today’s launch gives hope to Kitchener seniors who need quality, affordable housing, and support services that meet their specific needs.”

“Our government is proud to support this innovative project that will enable seniors to live independently with access to quality care close to home,” said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “The Sunnyside Supportive Housing and Seniors Wellness Centre project reflects the goal of our province’s Aging at Home Strategy.”

When complete, says Tanya Hutchens, the project will have 27 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom accessible apartments, including wheelchair accommodation and providing space for supportive services such as rehabilitation, fitness programs and educational sessions.

“This supportive housing project addresses a long-standing need in our community and I am proud of the strong support the McGuinty government has provided,” said John Milloy, MPP, Kitchener Centre. “Seniors deserve the ability to live independently for as long as possible and this project will allow them to do so.”

This $9.7 million Region of Waterloo initiative will receive capital funding of $2.1 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. An annual operating subsidy of $663,000 will be provided by Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care through the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network under the Province’s Aging at Home Strategy. The K-W Seniors Day Program, which is contributing $102,300, will be expanded as part of the project. The Seniors Wellness Centre will also be funded by the Sunnyside Home Foundation, which is today launching its campaign to raise $500,000 for this initiative. The project should be ready for occupancy in early 2010.

“The Sunnyside Seniors Supportive Housing project addresses a critical need in our community,” said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. “Once complete, this housing development will enable many of our citizens to continue to live independently in our community while having easy, convenient access to the services and supports they need.”

“The combined vision of the Federal, Provincial, and Regional Governments, along with the WWLHIN, to work in partnership and create affordable supportive housing for our senior population demonstrates a willingness to address this gap in our community,” says Kathy Durst, Chair, WWLHIN Board of Directors. “Through our collective efforts, we will continue to develop high quality housing and services for our elderly LHIN residents enhancing their independence and opportunity for choice.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will have invested at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

Last fall, notes Tanya Hutchens, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to $2 billion for housing-related infrastructure. This CMHC report was reviewed by Tanya Hutchens.