Northern communities are joining a provincial call for a better housing deal from Ottawa.
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) says a need for affordable housing and support for people at risk of homelessness impacts every community across the province.
“Municipalities have heard Minister Steve Clark comment about Ontario needing a better housing deal from the Federal Government,” says Danny Whalen, FONOM President. “FONOM and its members wish to stand with the province so that Ontario can achieve better.”
FONOM says at last year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference, Clark said Ontario is being underfunded by approximately $490 million for housing and homelessness over the term of the National Housing Strategy.
He says that’s based on the province’s level of Core Housing Need, which is the highest in the country.
Clark also called on municipal partners to urge the federal government to pay ‘its fair share.’
FONOM’s board believes more funding is required to address Ontario’s housing challenges and is asking its member municipalities to lobby for a better housing deal.
***With files from Richard Coffin