Northumberland County Housing Corporation seeking two residents to sit on its board
The Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) is inviting Northumberland County community members to help build "brighter futures for residents" by getting involved in the planning and provision of local affordable housing services.
People interested in making a contribution to address the current housing crisis can apply to join the NCHC board of directors.
The NCHC board of directors oversees all operations relating to the NCHC's portfolio of more than 350 rent-geared-to-income and affordable rental units throughout Northumberland.
"Board members are able to help shape the planning and delivery of affordable housing services in Northumberland by sharing their experience, knowledge, and professional expertise," Rebecca Carman, associate director of housing and homelessness for Northumberland County, said in a statement provided to kawarthaNOW. "In doing so, they are building brighter futures for residents of our community."
Board members are responsible for maintaining corporate by-laws, agreements and reports, appointing roles on the board, guiding long-term strategic planning for the corporation, and overseeing the board's budget and finances.
The board includes county council representatives, the county's CAO, and members of the public.
The NCHC is currently hoping to fill two citizen positions, and is accepting applications from members of the public with interest, experience, or knowledge in any of the following areas:
- Planning services, including legislation in the multi-residential sector
- Development planning and asset management planning
- Legal and financial expertise
- Facilities management
- Social services delivery
- Lived experience of homelessness, poverty, and housing insecurity.
The county encourages residents who are interested in joining the board to submit an application online by Friday, June 14.
The community housing provider has more than 366 owned and operated housing units in Northumberland County. Additional units are currently under development at the Elgin Park redevelopment and the Ontario Street housing development in Cobourg.
In March 2019, Northumberland County announced plans for the Elgin Park redevelopment in Cobourg to increase the number of subsidized and market rental housing units at this location from 18 to 40. In addition to 12 market rental units, there will be 28 subsidized units — an increase of 10 more than the current availability at the site.
The county calls the Elgin Park project "a major step forward in the collective commitment of Northumberland County and (NCHC) to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in Northumberland. redevelopment project."
Meanwhile, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS), Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, NCHC, and the county are partnering to jointly develop and manage an affordable housing complex at 473 Ontario St.
The development will introduce 62 new affordable housing units to the community, including units geared to Indigenous households (with direct access to Indigenous supports such as First Nation, Métis, and Inuit cultural teachings, traditional healers, and other programming), rent-geared-to-income housing, and affordable and attainable market rental units.
For information about the Northumberland County Housing Corporation, including how to apply for housing, visit northumberland.ca/nchc.
Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, KawarthaNOW
