County of Simcoe - Social Housing

Social Housing

Social housing is rental housing targeted to low and moderate income households, provided under a variety of government programs.

Social Housing in Canada has its origins in 1946 when the Federal Government was challenged to house returning soldiers from World War II and their families. The response was a plan to build and maintain affordable housing for veterans, administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a Federal agency which continues to this day.

During the 1950s and 1960s, CMHC's mandate was broadened to provide affordable housing for low-income families. This was the era of 'Public Housing'-housing owned and operated by the government.

During the 1970s and 1980's, the approach to social housing was revamped, which resulted in two new streams of social housing: Co-op Housing which is owned and operated by residents, and Non-Profit Housing which provides housing owned by not-for-profit groups in the local community. While still funded in part by CMHC, the governance was placed in the community for built-in responsiveness. There was also an emphasis on mixed-income housing-which combined low-income and moderate-income households to foster a healthy social environment.

How is the County of Simcoe involved in Social Housing?

The Province of Ontario has transferred many of its housing responsibilities to local municipalities. Since 1998, municipalities across Ontario have paid the share of subsidy costs formerly paid by the Province for social housing within their jurisdictions. As of January 2001, the County of Simcoe became the sole owner and shareholder of the Simcoe County Housing Corporation (SCHC), formerly known as the Simcoe County Housing Authority (SCHA). In April, 2002, full responsibility for administering the bulk of social housing in our area was transferred to the County. This means that the County now manages the program and subsidy administration for the Non-Profit and Co-Op Housing programs in our area as well as directly owning and managing the SCHC.

How many Social Housing Units Are There in our Municipality?

Including the SCHC, the many Non-Profit and Co-Op Housing Providers and private rent supplements, the County currently has 4113 units in our housing portfolio of which approximately 3,035 are rent geared to income.

What is the Difference between Non-Profit, Co-Op and Public Housing?

Non-Profit Housing is housing which is owned and managed by local non-profit housing groups. Approximately 60% of non-profit housing residents pay rents based on their income (what is known as Rent Geared to Income, or RGI). The remaining 40% pay market rents.

Co-op Housing is housing which is owned and managed directly by its members. Approximately 60% of co-op housing residents pay rents based on their income. The remaining 40% pay market rents.

Public Housing is housing which is owned by the Municipality (formerly the Provincial Government) and managed by Local Housing Corporations. The mandate of public housing is that 100% of residents pay rent based on their incomes.

Where Can I Learn More About Social Housing?

Click on any of the links below

More Housing Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Application for Social Housing
Special Needs Housing Preferences Availability Forms
Housing Locations in the County
Are you Eligible for Social Housing ?
Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Homeownership Program

New Affordable Seniors' Housing in Bradford