The purpose of the project was to develop a “made for Richmond Hill” Affordable Housing Strategy. To achieve this objective, we provided analysis to determine the supply and need for affordable housing, and a clear understanding of the barriers to its provision (including the cost of development). We also provided an “assessment report” to support the development of inclusionary zoning policies and zoning by-law.

We provided recommendations regarding what more the City could do to ensure that affordable housing is available within Richmond Hill. These recommendations included: policy, regulation, incentives (monetary or otherwise), other measures, etc. A guide that will assist developers in understanding how they can provide affordable housing in Richmond Hill was also developed.

This project was undertaken over three months and involved extensive desk research to identify overall housing needs throughout the province as well as an environmental scan to identify options for addressing these needs, including potential roles for the Province. The environmental scan included a scan of best and promising practices in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia. The key findings from this research was presented on a weekly basis to the Expert Panel and informed the final recommendations. The work also included a total of 44 engagement sessions and interviews conducted with a total of 96 organizations and over 150 participants. An opportunity for online submissions was also provided and the Panel received a total of 124 submissions. The work culminated in the Final Report of the Expert Panel, which was delivered in early October 2020 and contained 19 recommendations aimed at helping the government redefine its role in affordable housing, tap into community expertise, expand partnerships, reward innovation and simplify the system. All 19 recommendations were accepted by the government.

SHS’s work on this project provides in-depth insight into the current and recommended role of the Government of Alberta in affordable housing, the approaches that have been recommended to realize this changing role, the network of key stakeholders providing input, best practice examples from other jurisdictions, sources of data, senior Department resources and other key aspects important to the success of the next stage of the Transformation process.

The purpose of this study was to update the Moncton Housing Needs Assessment (2017) to reflect the current housing conditions in the City of Moncton using the most up-to-date data and information available. The results of the study also provided the City with a better understanding of the current and emerging housing market in preparation for anticipated changes in provincial legislation. The primary goal of this study was to identify the housing requirements in the City of Moncton based on current housing supply and demand and estimate future housing supply and demand, with a focus on housing gaps across the housing continuum.

SHS’s work on this project provides in-depth insight into the current and recommended role of the Government of Alberta in affordable housing, the approaches that have been recommended to realize this changing role, the network of key stakeholders providing input, best practice examples from other jurisdictions, sources of data, senior Department resources and other key aspects important to the success of the next stage of the Transformation process.