The Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will be investing $119,875 in the Rural Ontario Institute, helping them launch the Rural Housing Information System in Northern Ontario.
A release from FedNor states the funds will allow the institute to hire a Northern Ontario program co-ordinator to roll-out the information system, a digital tool that supports municipalities and housing partners in the planning, construction and sale of affordable housing.
Funded through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, the project is expected to bring 145 northern municipalities to the information system, allowing them to better understand their housing supply and market conditions for planning and development purposes.
The system is currently used by 223 rural municipalities in eastern and western Ontario, said the release, which has led to the development of new affordable housing and economic development opportunities in these regions.
As part of the project “the program co-ordinator will meet with municipal, Indigenous and economic development stakeholders to introduce the RHIS and start collecting housing data,” continues the release. “The initiative will also include system demonstrations for partners to collect feedback, improve system data and prepare for promotional sessions to encourage builders and developers to become actively involved.”
“We are pleased FedNor recognizes the importance of the Rural Housing Information System and is stepping up to help us roll it out in municipalities and First Nations communities across Northern Ontario,” said Zviko Gwekwerere, northern coordinator for the Rural Ontario Institute.
“Canada has a shortage of affordable housing units, and this project is helping to break down barriers, collect vital information and form strategic alliances that will lead to the construction of new affordable housing.”
