Housing is becoming more and more unattainable for those wanting to enter the market.
In April of 2020, the average selling price of a house in Northumberland was around $465,000.
According to Co-Chair of the Northumberland Affordable Housing Committee, Dawn Campbell, that price has ballooned to $855,000.
And the rental market isn’t fairing any better. Based on CMHC data, the average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment locally is just short of $1100.
That means, if you’re not making at least $43,000 a year, you’ll need to find a room mate.
Campbell told us income is critical to affordability.
Right now, if you’re living with assistance like ODSP, CPP or pension, or if you’re making minimum wage you’re probably struggling to find the rent money, let alone pay utilities, buy food or run a vehicle.
But this is not a new issue. Northumberland County and all of it’s municipalities have been looking for creative ways to help fill the housing gap.
The Town of Cobourg Planning and Development Division in partnership with the Communications Department announced the launch of the ‘Potential Affordable Housing Sites’ project on Engage Cobourg, an online public engagement platform designed to gather feedback and comments from residents.
The work they’ve done to identify potential sites as potential affordable housing may hold the key to at least creating inventory.
According to Campbell, we’ll need to hold our elected officials accountable for the promises they’re making leading up to the provincial election next week.
Housing and affordability area expected to be big issues on election day, which is Thursday June 2nd.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
