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The Housing Network of Ontario recently published a set of 5 criteria that they will be using to assess the effectiveness of Ontario's long-term Affordable Housing Strategy. These five broad areas of focus would serve as a good starting point for an affordable housing strategy for Alberta.
Edmonton and Calgary's low ratings in terms of housing affordability in Money Sense's 2010 "Best Places to Live" ranking system (Edmonton came in 134th place in terms of average house price, and 93rd place in terms of the average time to buy a house) suggest that Alberta is in dire need of an affordable housing strategy.
(Regardless of whether or not you agree with Money Sense's methodology, affordable housing is a serious issue in our province, with many individuals and families struggling to make their rent payments.)
HNO's 5 Tests for Affordable Housing Success
1. Bold Targets and sustained funding
"A Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy must ensure an adequate supply of quality, affordable housing... supported by multi year financial commitments."
2. A solid measuring stick
"An effective Housing Strategy requires a solid foundation of accurate evidence about the scale of housing insecurity and homelessness... and a clear way to measure progress."
3. Accountability
"[A] Long Term Affordable Housing Strategy needs to be kept on track, and the plan must remain accountable to the people it intends to serve."
4. Make housing truly affordable and accessible
"All [people] should be able to access housing they can afford, and supports should be provided to ensure equitable thriving, inclusive communities."
5. Reform housing legislation to build stronger communities
"Key legislation that governs municipal planning, social housing and the private rental market must be reformed to promote growth in affordable housing, better protect the housing rights of tenants and provide flexibility for non-profit and cooperative housing providers."
The HNO's information sheet provides greater detail on specific strategies they are advocating that the Ontario government should adopt.
What do you think of HNO's 5 points? Do they capture what would be needed in an affordable housing strategy for Alberta?
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Sunday, 05 February 2012 
