By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A portion of Chatham-Kent’s 2023 budget surplus is being funneled towards local affordable housing initiatives.
Following a motion by South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci at a recent meeting, council agreed to designate $1.5 million to help address C-K’s affordable housing crisis.
The one-time funding to put money into the affordable-housing reserve will help reduce the burden on the taxpayer, Ceccacci said.
“There’s going to be a lot of upcoming challenges when it comes to affordable housing,” the councillor said, noting Chatham-Kent has a number of “irons in the fire” regarding municipally led housing projects.
Ceccacci said he brought the motion forward so that surplus will be utilized for projects under the current term of council.
“We know that significant funds are going to be requested,” he told council.
Ceccacci’s motion modified a recommendation from administration, diverting $500,000 each from the tax rate strategic reserve and the strategic development reserve, towards housing
The $2.11-million reserve will see $94,610 put into a police services reserve; $500,000 into the Bloomfield Business Park unfunded capital project and $1,516,579 for housing initiatives.
As summer draws to a close, the municipal budget process looms.
Opening night, to be held in C-K council chambers Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. will be streamed on the Chatham-Kent website and the C-K YouTube channel.
Budget presentation and community consultations will be held online Nov. 20 at noon and Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
Budget committee deliberation meetings will take place Nov. 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in council chambers. This will also be livestreamed.
Contingency budget committee deliberation meetings will be held Nov. 28 and Dec. 3, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in council chambers and again streamed live.
