Saugeen Shores is expanding its contribution to the Bruce County Municipal Housing Allowance Program to support housing stability.
On Monday, April 15th, council approved a commitment to increase annual contributions by the Town of $75,000 for an annual commitment to the program of $150,000.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau says, “The Town’s increased contribution and on-going support of this program reflects its continued commitment to advancing housing affordability and stability for all residents.”
The expanded contribution will go towards continued support to ten existing households in Saugeen Shores and the addition of ten more Saugeen Shores households to the program on July 1st, 2024.
A staff report to council says, In 2023, the County implemented the Municipal Housing Allowance, which provides $590 a month to households to support housing stability. Staff say there are about 20 Saugeen Shores households receiving a housing allowance and ten of them were added in 2023 through the Town of Saugeen Shores $75,000 contribution.
The Municipal Housing Allowance program was initiated in September 2022, with an aim to address affordability for low-income households in rental units in Bruce County.
The Town says eligible applicants are taken from Bruce County’s Community Housing Registry.
There are reportedly about 600 people on the County housing waiting list.
Those who would like assistance in accessing housing can apply online, call the Bruce County Community Housing Registry at 1-877-396-3450, or Pick up an application at the following locations:
Bruce County Administration Centre (30 Park St., Walkerton),
Penetangore Hub (529 Gary Street, Kincardine),
Lakeshore Hub (1243 MacKenzie Road, Port Elgin), or
Peninsula Hub (268 Berford Street, Wiarton).
