A Foundation for the Public Good – Recommendations to Increase Kingston’s Housing Supply for All

Introduction

The document “A Foundation for the Public Good” is a comprehensive and forward-thinking report that addresses Kingston’s pressing housing crisis. It provides a detailed roadmap for increasing the supply of affordable and diverse housing options, ensuring that all residents—regardless of income level, age, or background—have access to safe and stable abodes. The report is grounded in the belief that shelter is not just a basic human right but also a critical component of a thriving, equitable, and sustainable community. By tackling the housing shortage head-on, the document aims to create a foundation for the public good that benefits everyone in Kingston.

Understanding the Housing Crisis in Kingston

The report begins by painting a stark picture of Kingston’s current housing landscape. Like many cities across Canada, Kingston is grappling with a severe housing shortage that has driven up prices and made it increasingly difficult for residents to find affordable homes. The crisis is multifaceted, affecting a wide range of demographics, including low- and middle-income families, students, seniors, and marginalized populations. For many, the dream of homeownership feels out of reach, while others struggle to keep up with rising rents.

Several key factors have contributed to the crisis:

1. Population Growth: Kingston’s population has been growing steadily, driven by immigration, an influx of students, and an aging demographic. However, the rate of new properties construction has failed to keep pace with this growth, leading to a supply-demand imbalance.
2. Supply Constraints: Zoning regulations, lengthy approval processes, and limited land availability have created significant barriers to new housing development. These constraints have stifled innovation and discouraged developers from pursuing projects that could help alleviate the shortage.
3. Affordability Gaps: The gap between housing costs and household incomes has widened significantly in recent years. Many residents are spending a disproportionate amount of their income on accommodations, leaving little room for other essential expenses.
4. Inadequate Policy Frameworks: Existing housing policies have not kept up with the evolving needs of the community. As a result, there is a mismatch between the types of housing being built and the needs of Kingston’s diverse population.

A Vision for the Future

The report envisions a Kingston where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and suitable dwellings. This vision is rooted in principles of equity, sustainability, and community engagement. It calls for a holistic approach that balances the need for immediate action with long-term planning, ensuring that housing solutions are both effective and enduring. The vision also emphasizes the importance of creating vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods where residents can live, work, and thrive.

Key Recommendations

The heart of the document lies in its detailed recommendations, which are organized into several thematic areas. These recommendations are designed to address the root causes of the housing crisis and create a more equitable and sustainable abodes market.

1. Streamlining Development Processes

One of the most significant barriers to increasing lodging supply is the complexity and inefficiency of the development approval process. The report recommends several measures to streamline this process and make it easier for developers to build new housing:

• Reducing Red Tape: Simplifying zoning and permitting processes to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. This includes creating a one-stop shop for development approvals and standardizing application requirements.
• Encouraging Infill Development: Promoting the development of underutilized or vacant land within the city. Infill development maximizes the use of existing infrastructure, reduces urban sprawl, and helps create more walkable, connected neighborhoods.
• Adopting Modern Building Techniques: Encouraging the use of modular and prefabricated construction methods. These techniques can significantly reduce construction costs and timelines, making it easier to deliver housing quickly and efficiently.

2. Expanding Affordable Housing Options

Affordable housing is a cornerstone of the report’s recommendations. The document emphasizes the need to prioritize initiatives that make living spaces more accessible to low- and middle-income residents:

• Increasing Funding for Affordable Housing: Advocating for increased investment in social and non-profit housing projects. This includes leveraging public-private partnerships and securing government grants to fund new developments.
• Incentivizing Affordable Units: Offering incentives such as tax breaks, density bonuses, and expedited approvals to developers who include affordable units in their projects. These incentives encourage private sector participation in addressing the affordability crisis.
• Preserving Existing Affordable Housing: Implementing policies to prevent the loss of affordable rental units through gentrification or redevelopment. This includes rent control measures and protections for tenants.

3. Promoting Diverse Housing Types

To meet the diverse needs of Kingston’s population, the report calls for a broader range of dwellings  options. This includes:

• Mixed-Use Developments: Encouraging projects that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Mixed-use developments create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that enhance quality of life.
• Missing Middle Housing: Supporting the construction of mid-density housing types, such as townhouses, duplexes, and low-rise apartments. These dwelling options bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments, providing more choices for residents.
• Supporting Student Housing: Collaborating with educational institutions to develop purpose-built student lodgings. This reduces pressure on the rental market and ensures that students have access to safe and affordable accommodations.

4. Strengthening Community Engagement

The report underscores the importance of involving residents in the decision-making process. Community engagement ensures that residential solutions align with the needs and aspirations of the people they are designed to serve:

• Public Consultations: Hosting regular town halls, workshops, and surveys to gather input from residents. These consultations provide valuable insights and foster a sense of ownership among community members.
• Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring that housing initiatives are transparent and that progress is regularly communicated to the public. This builds trust and encourages ongoing participation.
• Empowering Marginalized Voices: Prioritizing the perspectives of marginalized groups, including Indigenous communities, newcomers, and people experiencing homelessness. Their voices are critical to creating inclusive and equitable homes solutions.

5. Leveraging Data and Technology

Data and technology play a crucial role in addressing the affordability crisis. The report highlights the importance of evidence-based decision-making and recommends:

• Housing Needs Assessments: Conducting regular assessments to identify gaps in the accommodation market and track progress toward residential goals.
• Digital Tools for Planning: Using geographic information systems (GIS) and other digital tools to optimize land use and identify potential development sites.
• Monitoring Market Trends: Analyzing housing market data to anticipate future challenges and opportunities.

6. Fostering Collaboration

The report stresses the importance of collaboration among all levels of government, the private sector, and community organizations. Key recommendations include:

• Intergovernmental Partnerships: Working with provincial and federal governments to secure funding and align policies that support residential development.
• Private Sector Engagement: Encouraging developers, builders, and investors to participate in affordable housing initiatives through incentives and partnerships.
• Non-Profit and Community Leadership: Supporting non-profit organizations and community groups that play a critical role in delivering shelter solutions.

Implementation and Accountability

The document concludes with a call for immediate action and a commitment to accountability. It proposes the establishment of a dedicated task force to oversee the implementation of the recommendations and monitor progress. The task force would be responsible for setting clear timelines, allocating resources, and reporting regularly to the public.

Conclusion

A Foundation for the Public Good provides a comprehensive and actionable roadmap for addressing Kingston’s housing crisis. By streamlining development processes, expanding affordable dwellings, promoting diverse housing types, engaging the community, leveraging data, and fostering collaboration, the report aims to create a more equitable and sustainable housing market. The success of these efforts will depend on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to prioritize residences as a public good and a cornerstone of community well-being. Together, we can build a Kingston where everyone has a place to call home.

Also read: A good and secure home Social housing policy and affordable rent