There is a definite shortage of housing in Yorkton.
That was the overriding theme of the Housing Needs Assessment Study for the City of Yorkton presented at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
Faisal Anwar, Economic Development Officer with the City, explained one of the major findings was that "1,370 singles including 700 singles under the age of 35 years cannot afford an average rent of a bachelor suite, i.e. $468 or ending up paying more than 30 per cent of their annual gross income.
"The average one-bedroom apartment rent in Yorkton in 2010 was $590. For at least 170 Yorkton couple families, 190 lone parent families and 1,370 singles, this amount exceeds 30 per cent of their gross income."
"130 couple families and 240 lone parent families with 1-2 children are considered low income families earning less than $28,000. These families are unable to afford the average two-bedroom rent i.e. $697."
The report noted, "According to shelter cost-to-income ratio rental accommodation is deemed affordable when monthly rent does not exceed 30 per cent of gross income."
"In 2009, the average price of a house in Yorkton was $122,975, and the new single family semi-attached and detached house costs between $240,000 and $350,000. Based on shelter cost-to-income ratio mortgage payments should not exceed 30 per cent of household gross income. A before tax annual income of $25,000 would be required to purchase a home for $122,975 (cost does not include heat, power and property taxes). In Yorkton, 470 couple families, 260 lone parent families and 2,850 singles would not afford to purchase a house at this price. An income range of $45,000 to $75,000 would be required to purchase a $240,000 to $350,000 new house, which is not affordable for 1,310 couple families, 580 lone parent families and 4,610 singles."
Anwar explained over, "The purpose of this study is to explore and identify current and emerging housing challenges regarding affordability, adequacy, suitability and accessibility in Yorkton."
The housing needs assessment study will work towards accomplishing the following objectives: To gain a better understanding of the area's current housing needs, issues and challenges;
To provide direction to the community, city and other interested stakeholders;
To support funding applications to the Provincial and Federal Governments for affordable housing projects; and
To provide basis for the development of a housing business plan.
With Phase I complete, Anwar said there is a Phase II.
"Phase II of this study involves consultation with the community representatives and relevant stakeholders in order to validate housing affordability challenges, and get better understanding on current housing adequacy, suitability and accessibility issues in the City. Phase II will be completed by February 2011," he said.
Councillor Bob Maloney said the report is a good one.
"These are the best numbers I ever seen on what's happening," he said, adding it will give the City a useful document when discussing housing with the province. "It will give our city a huge leg up."Coun. Richard Okrainec agreed the numbers could be useful.
"There's no doubt these numbers are good information for us," he said.
Coun. Chris Wyatt said one thing he wants to see are numbers from other cities in the province."I think it's important we get those numbers for other communities as a comparison not only of housing shortages, but also to determine "how many of those communities are as involved as Yorkton already is (in housing)."
Coun. Ross Fisher said "the key question is what do we do with the information."
