Hastings County’s Community and Human Services Committee has recommended approval to Hastings County Council to receive a housing funding allocation.
A report from department director Jamie-Lynne Osmond to the committee on Wednesday noted the confirmed National Housing Strategy allocation for the 2026-27 fiscal year is around $3.1 million.
The money is divided between the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) at $2,625,000 and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) at $556,800.
The Committee ratified CAO’s decision to direct staff to submit the required Investment Plan for 2026/2027 to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Once council approves, the County will also submit an expression of interest to the Non-Profit Housing Providers in the amount of $786,610 for capital repair projects that fit within the criteria of the programs and allocate $50,000 to Non-Profit Housing Providers for Building Condition Assessments as required and eligible.
Community and Human Services enter into an agreement with Hastings Local Housing Corporation to fund capital repairs totaling $1.25 million
Additionally, the Ministry has announced the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) funding allocation for 2026/2027 in the amount of $410,000 which results in a target number of approximately 60 households.
The COHB program provides a monthly rent subsidy to eligible low-income households to assist with increased market rental costs.
