Timmins conducting housing survey.

• Author: Ontario, Northern
• Position: TIMMINS

The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) is soliciting public opinion regarding the current housing market in the Timmins area through a housing needs survey, which is now available at www.tim-minsedc.com until July 8.

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Housing is considered one of the key magnets that allows for successful attraction and retention of individuals and families to a community. The availability of suitable and affordable housing is an essential component to population and economic growth. The lack of suitable and affordable housing acts as a barrier for individuals and families looking to relocate to the community.

"The TEDC realizes the importance affordable housing has on the community and the impact a housing shortage would have on our growth and development.," said Dave McGirr, chair of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation. "The TEDC is actively working to address any shortages, perceived or real, that may exist through a housing investor attraction strategy."

Participation in this survey by both current residents and non-residents is necessary to capture an accurate snapshot of the housing market and challenges being faced. Information gathered through this survey, will provide the TEDC with the baseline information necessary to develop a housing investor attraction strategy. Specific information will be gathered on who is looking for housing (current residents of Timmins or non residents), what type of housing they are looking for and what price range is currently being sought.

RELATED ARTICLE: Timmins undertaking strategic action plan

Timmins is compiling a road map that will lead the city through the next 10 years. The strategic action plan - Timmins 2020 - was initiated in response to the closure of the metallurgical site last year and the loss of about 700 jobs. Ron Leduc of Clearlog-ic Consulting Professionals, one of the consultants working on the plan, said it is also in response to the impending closure of the Kidd Mine which is expected to cease operations in 2017.

"The whole focus of this is to really work towards a diversified makeup of the community;" he said.

The plan is very much community driven and not one that will be set out by the City of Timmins. A steering committee is comprised of some council representatives but also includes those from other community groups.

A series of 18 public consultation sessions was held in June, each with a specific focus on sectors such as education, Aboriginal...