Applications for the City of Welland’s newly created Affordable Housing Advisory Committee are now open and accepted until Thursday, March 31, no later than 4:30 p.m.

Seven volunteer positions are available – five will be ratepayers/residents with experience in affordable housing, and two members will be from the Welland Affordable Housing Task Force. Applicants must be a resident/ratepayer in the City of Welland to fill a vacancy on this committee.

“Affordable housing is one of the most important issues we’re facing right now and into the near future,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “Our community is growing, and we need to make sure we have opportunities for everyone to get into their first home or to downsize later in life. Housing should not be for the privileged. This committee will bring ideas and action to a crucial issue.”

The committee is tasked with identifying and advising on affordable housing matters, including

conducting research and providing advice to Council regarding affordable housing policies, proposals, and affordable housing matters that are from time to time referred to the committee by Council.

The committee is advisory, not legislative, and reports to Council under the terms of reference. The committee, in part, will

• Work with the City to advocate senior levels of government increasing funding under affordable housing and homelessness support programs.
• Assist in developing an Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan for the City, including participation in the Request for Proposal (RFP) Process and developing a suite of municipal financial and non-financial incentives, in consultation with City Staff, external government and non-gov agencies, the general public to support the creation of new affordable housing.
•  Provide comment on affordable housing components of the update to the City’s Official Plan.
• Work with the Niagara Region and senior levels of government to create an inventory of surplus vacant government lands, particularly city-owned lands, and where deemed appropriate, consider for the development of affordable housing.

To apply and read the committee’s terms of reference, visit: Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (welland.ca)