Peter Sweeney, Commissioner of Community Services, provided a presentation on the Fee for Service Requests in Housing Stability and the proposed Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (hereby referred to as the Plan), a copy of the presentation is attached to the agenda under item 7.1.2. Appendix D. He summarized the reasoning for each Staff recommended motion including the increased cost to the 2024 Housing Services Operating budget.
Craig Dyer, Commissioner of Corporate Services, provided a summary of the proposed financing for both proposed Staff recommendations: Fee for Services and the interim Plan to the End Chronic Homelessness. He summarized the operating budgets for both these initiatives specifically that it will be funded through the tax stabilization reserve and the property tax levy. He expressed concern that the these projects were being funded through the property tax levy as that is not sustainable.
In response to the Committee, P. Sweeney explained that funding request criteria was established by Council in June 2023 and can be amended by Council, if desired. He explained that the Staff involved to Council, upon request, could provide specifics on the evaluation process and reasons for denial. Requesters that have been denied have the opportunity to meet with Staff that conducted the elevations, to discuss the reason for the denial based on the provided criteria.
Responding to the Committee, P. Sweeney confirmed that the Plan is in compliance with the Federal guidelines of "Housing First Initiatives". The Committee expressed concern that the Region is using a shelter model instead of investing in permanent housing. P. Sweeney explained that there needs to be an interim solution while housing capacity is being built.
In response to the Committee, C. Dyer explained that there would be an approximate increase of 2% to the property tax levy if Council approved funding the proposed Fee for Service Requests and the Plan. He also confirmed that the budget format could be modified to highlight the provincial impacts.
In response to the Committee, Staff explained that if there are future unanticipated costs or if there is additional Federal and Provincial funding both the budget and Regional funding sources could be modified as per Council direction.
The Committee indicated that the criteria should be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the needs of the Community.
The Committee discussed possible amendments to the Staff recommendation, however, it was decided that further information from Staff regarding the evaluation process, including the criteria, was required. The Staff recommendation was referred to the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee meeting on November 22, 2023 where Staff can provide the requested information and then the Committee can consider the motion and all potential amendments.