“it’s clear that (the developers) see this as a great offer. i think this is the deal of the century”
together, the six projects will add 2,044 rental units to the city’s supply, of which 20 per cent, or 415, will be considered affordable.
but capital ward coun. shawn menard — the only committee member to dissent at approving the spending — said the units would still be too expensive for most renters. the dream lebreton units will rent at between 81 per cent and 90 per cent of the market value set by canada mortgage and housing corporation, while the five claridge properties will rent their affordable units at between 91 per cent and 100 per cent of market value.
“it’s worth noting that 91 to 100 per cent of average market rent still isn’t affordable these days,” menard said. “for me, it’s not a worthwhile investment to make it profitable for for-profit corporations to provide a slightly lower rent for a limited term.
“we shouldn’t be worrying about how to make affordable housing a profitable investment. we should be worrying about finding real, long-term solutions that take profit out of the equation.”
the committee’s decision will go to city council for a final vote on dec. 11.
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