At the close of the affordable housing open house last week, a sense of hope was palpable. An end to the drain of residents who no longer find Bowen a viable place to call home, and relief for commercial enterprises who struggle to find employees who can afford to live here appears to be in sight.
“Good things are coming. I think that’s exciting,” Mayor Bob Turner had stated earlier in the evening. The mayor was referring to the next steps planned by the Affordable Housing Working Group (AHWG), host of the assembly that attracted approximately 40 people to the Gallery at Artisan Square.
A mixed crowd of both new and long-term residents, representatives from the development community, housing activists, and a number of candidates for the next municipal election came out to listen and ask questions about the creation of affordable housing on Bowen. The public wanted to know whether it could truly be built, when it would be available, what it would look like and who it would serve.
And Tim Wake, a housing consultant who has been working with the municipal AWHG, adeptly addressed all the questions. Wake, who has an impressive track record of helping communities solve their housing needs, has introduced a novel approach to ensuring Bowen’s diversity is retained. It’s what Elizabeth Ballantyne, the chair of the AHWG called “a radically new concept in North America.” That is, housing which is not subsidized but price controlled.
Ballantyne underlined the steps that Bowen has moved through – from the eruption of a grassroots initiative concerned about loss of its community members, the establishment of the Bowen Community Housing Association, the raising of significant funds for a needs assessment and the development of a housing strategy. These achievements, gained over a short two-year period are remarkable, noted Ballantyne. They, along with the municipality’s decision to legalize secondary suites, adopt an affordable housing policy, provide seed money of $35,000 and assign the AWHG to begin the work of a housing corporation have created the conditions that will guarantee that a mixed community can thrive on these shores.
We all recognize that Bowen needs a housing continuum, said Ballantyne at the meeting. That includes housing of all sizes and shapes that will offer primary shelter to those with special needs, seniors, young families and everyone else “who wants to belong here.”
And though no one would argue that it’s not a minute too soon to move decisively to create affordable housing, Bowen may be more fortunate that some.
“Compared to other communities we have gone at lightening speed,” Sara Baker, the founder and current chair of the community housing association noted. “We have been spurred on by the vision and the tremendous commitment and love of Bowen that everyone has. We realize there’s a bit more process to get through, but hang on, we’re going to bring back that diversity that is so important to Bowen.”
Wake agreed with Baker, and commended community members and a supportive local government. “You’re doing well. It takes time. You are showing diligence and great leadership.”
Nearing the completion of its mandate, the AHWG has already developed waiting list guidelines and is finalizing the application process for qualified applicants who wish to register for an opportunity to purchase affordable housing. It is currently working with municipal council to ensure the approval of covenants that will regulate the purchase and sale of affordable housing units.
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