Council asked to verify housing committee intent
City council is being asked to confirm its intent to form a housing and development advisory committee.
City council is being asked to confirm its intent to form a housing and development advisory committee.
The matter was before council for discussion at its meeting Monday.
As a result of housing shortages, particularly the shortage of affordable housing, a housing committee could provide expert advice to council in a number of areas.
Those include land supply, land development and the permitting process, says the administrative report prepared for council.
The report notes the supply of housing coming into the market has not kept up with demand.
The average price of a single-detached home last summer was $656,800, the report notes. Mobile homes were selling for $405,100, while condos were going for $456,300. The average price of a duplex was at $511,500.
The administrative report says the average price for a single-detached house rose by $87,800 or 15.4 per cent in approximately one year, from the third quarter of 2020 to last summer.
“It is proposed that the work of the committee would be focused on the elements of the housing development policies and process where the city holds authority such as planning of new development areas, issuance of building permits, development incentives, and key zoning regulations,” says the report.
If council confirms its interest in forming a committee next Monday, city administration would develop a proposed framework for the committee.
The proposal notes the committee is to be comprised of no more than eight members supported by city staff. The committee is to be in place for two years initially, but the term can be extended.
Community members interested in sitting on the committee would have to apply.
“This potential new committee is not intended to review specific permits and applications but rather provide advice and recommendations at the strategic policy level,” says the report.
Administration did prepare a draft of the committee’s terms of reference.
The draft says the committee is to identify housing and land development impediments and opportunities.
The committee would also report to council on strategic policy issues for achieving progress on housing and land development, says the draft.
Comments (6)
Up 2 Down 1
Fringe minority with unacceptable views on Feb 28, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Ok I have a totally crazy idea, how about we don’t put together another committee and just focus investing in developing more lots for housing. While you’re at it, make sure you actually service the lots before paving the streets to reduce the need of tearing out asphalt to service the lots and then replace it the same year so the new roads aren’t an unnecessary patchwork.
Up 6 Down 0
Groucho d'North on Feb 26, 2022 at 9:29 am
I'm curious to know what value they expect to provide to the local housing development management game. The OCP rarely has time to gather any dust before it is revised yet again.
Up 7 Down 22
Nathan Living on Feb 25, 2022 at 1:07 am
Let's give this committee a chance. Housing is a major issue, maybe this committee can help.
Up 19 Down 3
North_of_60 on Feb 24, 2022 at 6:50 pm
Studies and Committees to kick the can down the road and appear to be doing something-anything, instead of actually addressing problems and solving them is the Liberal way. People in a democracy get the government they deserve.
Up 56 Down 1
Anie on Feb 24, 2022 at 2:39 pm
What a silly waste of time. Whitehorse has created subdivisions and made land available for generations, without a committee. The city and territorial staff can do all of this, and we know council's history with committees - "let's ignore this problem by appointing a committee". Don't believe me? Look at the embarrassing history of the City's accessibility committee, going back about 15 years - a parade of well intentioned, skilled and experienced volunteers who quit in disgust because senior admin got in the way and made it impossible for them to accomplish anything. We do not need this committee.
Up 52 Down 1
Chris on Feb 24, 2022 at 1:51 pm
When you don't know what to do or are really lost as to move forward - take the easy way out and form a committee. Pray tell what are we paying council and YTG for?
Good optics with likely lousy output to come.