Peterborough's Housing Crisis Continues to Be Problematic Says United Way

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 19th Edition of Housing is Fundamental report that highlights Peterborough’s worsening rental market according to author Paul Armstrong.

Paul Armstrong authored the Housing is Fundamental report annually. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s report analyzes the market and underscores the ongoing challenges posed by housing affordability and accessibility.

Their local key findings include:

• Canada has reached a new low for its vacancy rate at 1.5 per cent

• Peterborough’s vacancy rate remains at 1 per cent

• The average market rent is $1,325 across all units, which is a 6.5 per cent increase from last year

• Three-bedroom units saw the largest increase in average market rents at 7.7 per cent

• The annual income required to afford the average market rent is $53,000

Average Rent In Canada

Average Listed Rents by Unit Type - Feb. 2024

Rent Year-Over-Year Change

The report also recognized these highlights of the rental market in Canada:

• Canada-wide vacancy rate was 1.5 per cent (Oct. 2023), a new low

• Strong rental demand outpaced supply

• Tighter markets with lower affordability

• Rent growth exceeded average wage growth by a wide margin

• Rent arrears increased from 6.5 per cent (2022) to 7.8 per cent (2023)

• Lower-income renters faced below-average vacancy rates for the least expensive apartments

Armstrong highlighted the contributing issues using data from Statistics Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“When surging rents outpace income increases, something is wrong. When people pay their rent and then find themselves at food banks to eat, something’s amiss,” he said. “When inadequate supply of rental units produces a 1.0 per cent vacancy rate in Peterborough, something has to change. When housing costs are now the primary driver of inflation and 20% of Canadian rental stock is owned by large capital enterprises, something’s inequitable. When homelessness grows, but social housing builds don’t materialize, something’s unjust. The housing crisis deepens with little indication of relief.”

“Housing remains the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving community,” said Jim Russell United Way CEO. “Data is showing us that foodbanks are seeing record high numbers of first-time users. Without stable and affordable housing, individuals face immense barriers in every aspect of their lives, from purchasing food to employment to health. This year’s report is a call to action for all levels of government and community partners.”

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United Way Peterborough & District Names Recipient of 2024 Scholfield Award of Community Distinction

Paul Armstrong, a long-time housing advocate, is the recipient of the award.

united way peterborough & district photo of paul armstrong

The Scholfield Award of Community Distinction is handed out to annually to a individual or organization who, ‘through their excellent leadership or outstanding contribution has demonstrated the ability to mobilize positive change within our community.’

The award sub-committee selected Armstrong based on his work, research and advocacy over the last several decades.

Nancy Fischer, chair of the Community Impact Committee, reflected on her long history working alongside Armstrong during her career with the City of Peterborough.

They first met in 2002 on a housing committee.

“Paul has tirelessly and tenaciously promoted information about the housing market to make sure it gets out into the community,” Fischer said. “For me, it isn’t important to recognize what a person does, but who they are. Paul is tenacious and respectful, showing us how advocates can work together with government for a better Peterborough.”

The first edition of ‘Housing is Fundamental’ was published in 2005 with the 19th edition of the report set to be released by the United Way this fall, written by Armstrong.

“The United Way is near and dear to my heart,” Armstrong said. “Volunteers gain a sense of fulfillment from their work, but it isn’t possible to do this type of work without an avenue for it. United Way has provided me with this avenue and the opportunity to continue to do this work.”

“I have known Paul for 13 years. First and foremost, Paul is a strong advocate and champion for housing within Peterborough,” added United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell.

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Peterborough County Hubs Program Expands

The Peterborough County Hubs Program is now offering drop-in services in Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

Peterborough county logo

The new drop-in service, which started on Tuesday, gives rural residents access to supports related to health care, mental health, addictions, employment, developmental services, housing, income, senior services and more within their home community.

"The expansion of the Peterborough County Hubs Program is an important step in ensuring that all Peterborough City-County residents, no matter where they live, have easy access to the services and supports they need, said Peterborough city councillor Alex Bierk. “By bringing these services closer to home, we are removing barriers for communities across the region and making sure that residents can get help with everything from health care to employment services.”

The drop-in program has opened new hubs in several locations:

• Millbrook Hub at Old Millbrook School - open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Havelock Hub at Havelock Community Care office - open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Apsley Hub at Apsley Community Care office - open first and third Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Norwood Hub at Asphodel-Norwood Township Office - open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The program is a collaboration between the City/County Social Services administered by the City of Peterborough, Canopy Support Services, Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge and Fleming CREW and Academic Upgrading.

A staff person from of the agencies will be at the hubs when the open for drop-in service.

The program builds on the existing Peterborough County Hubs Program that has nine locations across the county in Keene, Warsaw, Douro, Buckhorn, Lakefield, Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

“Last year, I was proud to be at the launch of the eight Peterborough County Hubs which provided bookable space for social service providers to meet with clients,” said warden Bonnie Clark. “Local clients will now have the convenience to drop-in during office hours and not have to book an appointment. This pilot project brings social services access for our rural and small urban communities closer to parity with larger urban centres.”

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City of Peterborough Puts Out Call for Community Advisory Group Members

The City of Peterborough is asking residents to consider joining the community advisory group that will help inform the creation of a Secondary Land Use Plan and Community Planning Permit System for the City’s Strategic Growth Areas.

downtown photo

The plan and permit system will help promote intensified development, speed up development approvals and implement the new Official Plan, the City of Peterborough stated in a media release.

The Strategic Growth Areas are designated in the new Official Plan and include the downtown core as well as major corridors such as Lansdowne Street, Chemong Road, Clonsilla Avenue, Water Street and Armour Road.

There are openings for two residents on the advisory group.

It will also include representatives from local community organizations involved in a range of issues including housing, transportation, arts, cultural heritage, Indigenous rights and heritage, and environmental sustainability.

Interested persons can apply at Connect Ptbo by Oct. 4.

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Monaghan Road Housing Project Making Significant Strides In Public Update From The City of Peterborough

Construction of the City of Peterborough’s affordable housing project at 681 Monaghan Rd. will show significant progress in the coming weeks as precast structural loadbearing walls and precast floor slabs are installed followed by prefabricated wall panels, announced by the City of Peterborough on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This is the first City construction project to use prefabricated construction techniques.

Construction started in the fall of last year with an official groundbreaking ceremony held on Oct. 11 for the six-storey building with 53 units including 37 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units with amenity space and utilities on the ground floor. Construction is expected to be completed this year.

“It’s exciting to see the progress of construction at 681 Monaghan Rd.,” said Councillor Keith Riel. “This important housing project is being funded as part of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Rapid Housing Program, so it was essential that the team assessed construction techniques for both cost efficiency and the ability to facilitate a shorter construction period.”

“Unity Design Studio, formerly Lett Architects, has a rich history in Peterborough and is proud to be collaborating with the City of Peterborough on this project -  a crucial stride toward providing much-needed affordable housing,” said Roy Turner, Unity Design Studio senior project lead. “As the building takes form, we would like to express our gratitude for the dedication of the entire project team. Their commitment ensures that upon completion, this building will offer affordable housing to many and positively impact our community.”

“As proud members of this community, we are so fortunate to be able to help address this crisis with this much needed project,” said Craig Mortlock, Mortlock Construction president. “To date, we’ve spent many months working together with the City of Peterborough and the design team to design, coordinate, implement and construct this building. We are now at a very exciting stage of the project. We, and any other passerby, get to witness the fruits of the team’s planning and coordination, as the precast concrete structural panels are being delivered and placed on site. It is so rewarding to see this building taking shape so quickly, growing daily, eventually allowing so many people to call this building home.”

This affordable housing project received $18.9 million in federal funding through the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI3), $40,000 in SEED funding, $854,810 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) and over $4 million from the City of Peterborough.

The project will be home to vulnerable populations in Peterborough, including Black Canadians, people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, homeless people or those at risk of homelessness.

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"People Are Just Getting Poorer" Peterborough's Housing Crisis Worse Than a Year Ago Says United Way

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 18th Edition of Housing is Fundamental report says that the city’s housing crisis has become worse than a year ago according to author Paul Armstrong.

Paul Armstrong authored the Housing is Fundamental report annually. The report was relased publicly a day after World Homelessness Day, held on Oct. 10. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made at United Way Peterborough & District as part of their annual report written by Armstrong that started 18 years ago.

It provides an overview of Peterborough's local rental market while also highlighting the impacts of the commodification of housing and income inequality.

“People are just getting poorer. That's all there is to it,” said Armstrong. “When your rent keeps going up and up and up, you're not in a position of having the same disposable income and without that disposable income, you're going to have to back away from something else in the marketplace. “

Armstrong’s key findings include:

• Peterborough's vacancy rate is the lowest in Ontario for the second year in a row at 1.1 per cent

• Newly vacant apartment rents were 19 per cent higher than the rent of occupied units

• Recovery in employment and renewed student inflows supported rental demand

• 70 units were added to the market, which is the largest increase in the last 15 years

Armstrong’s localized statistical figures based on data from Statistics Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHC).

“Never has housing commanded so much attention,” said Armstrong. “Almost daily, reports highlight shortages of purpose-built rental units and widespread affordability challenges. The current dilemma, while newsworthy, isn't new. Its roots can be traced to federal government decisions made in the 1990s. Three decades later social or rent-geared-to-income housing has never been so needed. And 'affordable' housing, which is 10 per cent - 20 per cent below market rents is all but unattainable.”

His report also found that rental demand kept pace with supply growth last year and two-bedroom rentals are 23 per cent higher upon turnover to new tenants.

“Both homelessness and severe housing burden now exist in dangerous proportions. Governments hopefully have learned that reliance on the private market to meet all housing needs is imaginary and unfounded. They (governments) must get back into the game with appropriate policy and adequate funding.”

Armstrong continues to mention that this year's perspective is critical as there is a growing cost of living, particularly in housing and food costs.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO described rising housing costs' impacts on our community members.

“Housing is Fundamental to well-being,” he said. “As we strive to build a better community together, a basic starting point is safe, affordable housing for all.”

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AON Inc Planning 550 Premier Seniors Development Units On Clonsilla Avenue

Planning multi-phase apartment buildings, retirement homes and premier seniors development by AON Inc. has begun as part of their AIRWAYS development project at the Kawartha Golf Club, announced on Wednesday.

Brad Smith (left) and Rob Elliot (right) at the site of where the units will be built on Clonsilla Avenue over 22-acres. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 22-acre community will be spread out over up to eight buildings and include many outdoor community amenities according to a press release. Located at the end of Clonsilla Road near Lansdowne Street, the property is off a hilltop which has great views according to Brad Smith, AON President.

“The views from this area are phenomenal,” he explained. “You either have views of the golf course or overlooking the City of Peterborough with all the trees in the area and the views in the fall are spectacular. When I was putting this together, it really fit with our portfolio and the growth of the seniors community.”

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Kawartha Golf Club remains intact during the whole construction process set to begin next year. The proposed units to be built could aid in generating extra income for the club as they look forward to working with AON Inc. according to Rob Elliot, Kawartha Golf Club president.

“The Kawartha Golf Club looks forward to AON Inc. creating this wonderful community and the opportunities that may arise for the Club to integrate with it,” he said.

“There will be nothing in size and variety to compare to this project in Peterborough and the region’s growing seniors’ population will welcome these much-needed residential options including the safety features this community will offer them,” said Smith. “Never have so many senior geared lifestyle options been incorporated into one community. The FAIRWAYS will be a premier community for seniors and AON is excited to commence on the necessary next steps with the City of Peterborough to make this community a reality.”

This is a proposed development of 550 units and must go through the approval processes with the City of Peterborough. At this time, the plan remains a proposal until formally finalized.

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Federal and Provincial Government Fund $2.5 Million To Provide More Affordable Housing In Peterborough-Kawartha

The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario have funded $2,457,000 to help create 63 more affordable community housing units for the Hunt Terrance on 555 Bonacord St., announced on Monday morning.

Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor (left), Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (middle) and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County warden at the Hunt Terrace on 555 Bonacord St. Amenities in the building include dining room with meal options, laundry facilities and a common room. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“What it does is it reduces the actual operating costs for the building because we're cutting that mortgage down by $2.5 million,” explained Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “That mortgage payment on that amount is not going to be factored into what they have to have in order to operate it so it gives them the flexibility then to lower the cost on 63 of the units in total.”

The funding is part of a project investment of over $46 million through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) to create 267 affordable housing units across the province according to a press release.

Hunt Terrace is a six-storey building that has 85 units in total including both one- and two-bedroom units. There are specific units for those who require health and/or housing support which is provided on-site through community partners.

“555 Bonaccord is a unique building for PHC (Peterborough Housing Corporation), offering both market and affordable units in a multigenerational setting,” said Hope Lee, PHC CEO. “The ground floor commercial space offers several amenities such as on-site offices for support partners, common spaces for tenants, meeting facilities for the public and dining options for both tenants and the public. The COCHI funding is a much-appreciated contribution towards our capital costs.”

"Our community is working together to build affordable housing, to build homes,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor. The dedicated team at the City’s social housing agency, Peterborough Housing Corporation, led a true community effort to build the $31.1-million, 85-unit second phase at Hunt Terraces that includes 65 community housing units and 20 market rent units.”

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City of Peterborough Holding Consultation Meeting Of Multi-Storey Affordable Housing Development on Monaghan Road

The City of Peterborough is holding a drop-in meeting of a multi-storey affordable housing development on 681 Monaghan Rd. to view the design and speak with the project team announced on Thursday.

A digital rendering of the six-storey building on Monaghan Road. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The meeting is being held at the Healthy Planet Arena banquet hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 7.

“Our community is taking action to create more affordable housing. The new development on Monaghan Road along with projects such as the 85-unit second phase of the Hunt Terrace development on Bonaccord Street are essential to the health of our community, providing homes for individuals and families,” said Councillor Keith Riel, Chair of Council’s Housing Portfolio.

The property on Monaghan Road is between Gillespie Avenue and McKellar Street. Initial building plans are six storeys with 53 units, including 37 one-bedroom units, 11 two-bedroom units and five three-bedroom units.

The project is in the preliminary design stage. Construction could start by late spring-early summer and be completed by summer next year, depending on funding applications.

Residents can post comments and ask questions about the development by going online. The project team will respond to questions submitted through the project page. Submitted questions and responses may be shared for other viewers to see without identifying the person who submitted the question.

The existing former office building is being removed in preparation for the new unit. The City acquired the property in November 2020.

Salandria Ltd. has been contracted with the building’s demolition to be done in mid February.

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Average Home Price In Peterborough Reaches All-Time High

The average home price in Peterborough city and county in March reached $864,208, a new all-time high, according to the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors.

Stock Photo.

The 2022 average is up 17 per cent from the 2021 March average.

280 residential units were sold, which is down down 1.8 per cent from March 2021.

There were 157 active listings at the end of March, down 11.3 per cent from last year.

The average price for March in the City of Kawartha Lakes was $904,167, the second highest monthly average on record for the Kawartha Lakes Real Estate Association.

The average price in Northumberland County topped the $1-million milestone at an average of $1,009,087. This average is up 25.5 per cent from 2021, but down 11.3 per cent from the all-time high of $1,122,819 last month.

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