Peel Housing and Homelessness Plan action updates
Provides details on the status of the plan’s actions to prevent homelessness and make affordable housing available to all Peel residents.
Peel’s Housing and Homelessness Plan includes 35 actions organized under 5 pillars, of which 16 are completed and 12 currently in progress. It’s an innovative, smart, forward-thinking approach to address complex housing issues. It guides our actions, ensuring every step we take is intentional and strategically planned.
The following are action updates as of December 31, 2022.
Other information
Improving how we deliver our services, so more of our clients receive the supports they needs, faster.
Action 1.1
Begin implementation of an Action Plan Toward Ending Youth Homelessness pending Regional Council approval on March 29, 2018.
Status: In progress
Description
Many of the actions under the Action Plan Toward Ending Youth Homelessness are in progress or complete.
In 2022, significant progress was made towards the creation of new youth shelter beds and transitional housing.
Youth that are experiencing homelessness are a priority group under Peel Region’s coordinated access process to help ensure a collaborative response from service providers with the aim of assisting youth exit homelessness as quickly as possible.
Action 1.6
Build emergency shelter and transitional beds for families, youth and victims of human trafficking to meet the targets beginning with the replacement of the temporary 40 bed Regional Youth Shelter in Brampton.
Status: In progress
Description
The Peel Family Shelter that is currently under renovation will provide 108 beds for families experiencing homelessness.
The Brampton Youth Shelter is also in the design phase and will provide 40 beds for youth experiencing homelessness. In addition, Peel Region used Federal Rapid Housing Initiative funds to acquire and repurpose a 2-storey hotel at 5 Rutherford Road, Brampton to create 50 new affordable rental units and 17 transitional housing units for youth ages 16 to 24.
Construction began in April 2022 with anticipated completion in 2023.
Preliminary feasibility studies have been completed to assess the redevelopment potential of the Wilkinson Road Men's Shelter site in Brampton. A request for capital funding was approved through the 2023 Budget.
Action 1.8
Redesign and implement a new model for clients accessing housing and homelessness services to better help clients avoid homelessness, achieve stable housing, or increased income.
Status: In progress
Description
Development and implementation of the new Client Pathway continues with a project started to streamline the intake process. This change will help to eliminate a backlog of service requests that has occurred since the pandemic.
The provision of portable subsidies to help clients who live in the private market continues to make more units affordable in our community. In 2022, 488 more households received a portable subsidy.
Building more community rental housing on land that is owned by the Region of Peel and Peel Housing Corporation, while also building the capacity of the non-profit sector to build more.
Action 2.3
By the end of 2019, work with local municipalities to rezone PHC’s seven priority sites and Twin Pines Redevelopment.
Status: In progress
Description
The City of Brampton approved a zoning by-law amendment for the Chelsea Gardens project. This project is owned by Peel Housing Corporation and will add 200 new affordable rental units to their property at 4 and 10 Knightsbridge Road in Brampton. Design and pre-construction processes are continuing.
Action 2.5
Work with PHC to regenerate and repurpose its 7 priority sites.
Status: In progress
Description
Feasibility studies have been completed for a total of 11 PHC sites, which include 7 sites in the Housing Master Plan. In addition, work to regenerate and repurpose PHC sites will continue on a site-by-site basis.
Progress was made in 2022 by receiving planning approvals for the East Avenue Redevelopment project and the Chelsea Gardens project.
Action 2.6
Identify and build the capacity of 2 or 3 non-profit housing providers to become adept in the development of new affordable rental housing for households with low incomes in Peel.
Status: Not started
Action 2.7
Prepare and implement a Housing Master Plan (HMP) and financing strategy that describes how and where emergency shelter, transitional, supportive and affordable housing development.
Status: In progress
Description
Currently, several HMP projects are in either planning approval, design or construction phases making a total of over 1,000 units/beds in development.
Using Regional financial and planning policies, processes, and tools to incent the market to create more affordable housing.
Action 3.3
Work with local municipalities to develop Official Plan policies that support the development of affordable rental and a range and mix of housing types.
Status: Paused due to Bill 23
Description
Work commenced with local municipal staff to determine if an Inclusionary Zoning Program to administer affordable units at the regional level was feasible. Work has now paused due to the passage of Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 by the Ontario government in November 2022. A report will be brought to Regional Council in 2023. In the meantime, regional staff continue to work with local municipal staff to secure new affordable units through the planning approval process.
Action 3.4
Work with local municipalities to review and revise zoning by-laws to align with strategic growth areas, and other areas identified for intensification.
Status: Paused due to Bill 23
Description
This work has currently been paused until the regulations of Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 are released by the province. These regulations will change planning responsibilities across the province.
Action 3.5
Work with the local municipalities to review preliminary studies for the Housing Master Plan sites and to coordinate and prioritize planning approvals where possible.
Status: In progress
Description
Work is ongoing with local municipal planning staff to review the preliminary feasibility studies for Housing Master Plan and other affordable housing sites. In 2022, planning approvals were received for Chelsea Gardens (Brampton) and Brightwater (Mississauga) sites.
Action 3.6
Develop a Region-wide approach to securing land for affordable housing development including exploring a policy to give priority to affordable housing development in the disposition of surplus land and land banking.
Status: In progress
Description
Staff have completed a preliminary jurisdictional scan about land banking as an approach to create affordable housing.
Action 3.7
Collaborate with local municipalities and other stakeholders on administration of affordable housing units secured through IZ to support long term affordability.
Status: Paused due to Bill 23
Description
Work commenced with local municipal staff to determine if an Inclusionary Zoning Program to administer affordable units at the regional level was feasible. Work has now paused due to the passage of Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 by the province in November 2022. A report will be brought to Regional Council in 2023.
Maintaining existing subsidized and affordable rental stock and using existing homes in new ways to provide more or different types of affordable housing options.
Action 4.1
By summer 2018, deliver information to Regional Council regarding State of Good Repair (SoGR) for the social housing system.
Status: In progress
Description
A comprehensive review and study focused on the State of Good Repair for all regionally owned housing and emergency shelters, community housing providers and Peel Housing Corporation assets is underway. Completion of the study is targeted for early 2023, with a subsequent report sharing findings to be presented to Regional Council.
Action 4.3
By spring 2019, review evidence and best practices in order to identify opportunities to maximize existing stock including home-sharing, cohousing and creating additional second units in Peel designs.
Status: In progress
Description
In February 2022, staff provided an update to Regional Council on the Solutions Lab process and the 2 solutions that have been prioritized to explore further in 2022 and beyond
These 2 prioritized solutions include the Canada HomeShare Peel Pilot Program that was approved by Regional Council on June 24, 2021, and the expansion and redesign of the My Home Second Unit Renovation Program to potentially include a senior-specific funding stream, among other potential changes.
Action 4.4
Collaborate with non-profit housing providers and cooperatives as operating agreements and mortgages expire to develop a new Partnership Framework and agreements to replace existing Operating Agreements.
Status: In progress
Description
Staff began to collaborate and consult with housing providers and other sector partners regarding the end of operating agreements and mortgages. Initial education and consultation was completed by Q4 2022. A framework and ongoing engagement plan is under development and targeted for completion by the end of 2023.
Action 4.5
Examine the current criteria for Peel Renovates and explore options to expand the program to fund private landlords to improve safety, accessibility, energy efficiency and creation of second units.
Status: Not started
Action 4.6
Work with local municipalities to adopt Official Plan policies and zoning changes to support a mix of housing types (co-housing, home-sharing, etc.)
Status: In progress
Description
Regional staff have continued to work with the local municipalities on development of secondary plans and official plan updates to ensure language related to a range and mix of housing including affordable housing is included.
Increasing housing with supports for our community’s most vulnerable.
Action 5.2
Work with supportive housing providers and local municipalities to identify and address barriers to the development of supportive housing.
Status: Not started
Action 5.3
Work collaboratively with provincial ministries and the new Ontario Health Teams to develop a plan to meet the supportive housing targets in the Housing Master Plan and for operational funding for future supportive housing developments.
Status: Not started
Action 5.4
Work with social housing providers, tenants, and support agencies to develop a framework to better connect tenants with support services.
Status: In progress
Description
The implementation of the new Client Pathway will include case management standards, that are right sized, needs based and will assist clients to get and keep housing.
A new support framework was initiated at a Peel Housing Corporation site in Mississauga that provides housing for persons previously experiencing homelessness. On-site tenant supports in the building, liaise with tenants, case managers, and bring in community partners to provide education to tenants to help promote successful tenancies.
Pillar 1: Transform service
Action 1.2
By summer 2018, undertake enumeration of the homeless population in Peel to better understand the extent of homelessness and their needs.
Status: Complete
Description
Enumeration of the homeless population in Peel was undertaken in 2018 and again in 2021. A report to Regional Council will be presented in mid-2022 with the results of the 2021 enumeration (Point-In-Time Count).
Action 1.3
By fall 2018, implement a by-name list of homeless clients to prioritize them for the highest intensity of services.
Status: Complete
Description
By October 2020, the Region of Peel implemented a quality By-Name List to prioritize homeless clients as per the requirements from the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH).
Action 1.4
By the end of 2018, bring forward an action plan on human trafficking in Peel Region.
Status: Complete
Description
On June 14, 2018, Regional Council approved a three-year pilot strategy to address human sex trafficking in Peel Region. The strategy included the creation of a safe house, a transitional home and a dedicated service hub for survivors.
The Elizabeth Fry Society Peel-Halton was awarded the contract for the operation of the safe and transitional homes. Both homes are operational and can accommodate up to 6 clients at a time.
Action 1.5
By summer 2019, house 50 people experiencing homelessness through the Home for Good Housing First program.
Status: Complete
Description
The Home for Good collaborative provides housing and supports to individuals experiencing homelessness.
In 2021, 104 clients received housing supports through the Home for Good Housing First program.
Action 1.7
Convene a table consisting of community providers of homelessness services to plan and coordinate services and address system gaps.
Status: Complete
Description
The Coordinated Access planning table was convened in October 2020, consisting of homelessness service providers, and co-led by Peel Alliance to End Homelessness (PAEH). Coordinated Access was co-designed in 2021 and will be implemented in 2022.
Action 1.9
Reorient services and policies to reflect a Housing First approach.
Status: Complete
Description
Through the development and implementation of the new service delivery pathway, all housing services and policies reflect a Housing First approach.
Action 1.10
Redirect a larger share of Rent Supplement and Housing Allowance funding to support the homeless population and/or those in crisis.
Status: Complete
Description
The new service delivery pathway and needs-based approach to subsidy administration, approved by Regional Council on May 28, 2020, directs more portable housing subsidies to those clients with the most urgent needs.
Over 1200 additional households will now benefit from having a portable subsidy to help make their housing costs affordable.
Pillar 2: Build more community housing
Action 2.1
By the end of 2018, proceed with pre-development planning of Peel Housing Corporation’s East Avenue property in Mississauga.
Status: Complete
Description
The City of Mississauga Planning and Development Committee approved up to 151 units for the East Avenue project. In addition, this will be a pace-setter project advancing the Region’s Climate Change Master Plan goals.
Action 2.2
By summer 2019, host an innovation lab in partnership with the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Master of Public Policy Program, to develop innovative approaches to creating and financing affordable home ownership for low-income individuals and families.
Status: Cancelled
Description
Action cancelled as Innovation lab was not held.
Action 2.4
Provide program design and evaluation support to the SHIP/TRCA Tiny Housing Village at Innovation Park.
Status: Cancelled
Description
Action cancelled as Innovation Park is located outside of Peel Region.
Action 2.8
Bring forward recommendations to Council about the preferred model/structure for housing development in Peel.
Status: Complete
Description
The Housing Development Office was created in January 2019.
Pillar 3: Maximize planning tools and incentives
Action 3.1
By summer 2019, bring forward a framework in principle for a Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to direct and stimulate private sector investment in affordable housing through an incentive-based program.
Status: Complete
Description
The work completed to create a framework to direct funding through an incentive program resulted in the creation of a preferred mechanism, a new Municipal Housing Facility By-Law, which was approved by Regional Council on July 9, 2020 (By-Law 49-2020).
Action 3.2
Work with local municipalities to develop a modest program of land use planning tools and incentives to support the development of affordable housing.
Status: Complete
Description
130 affordable rental housing units were approved through the 2021 round of the Affordable Housing Incentives Pilot Program, which are secured at affordable rates for between 26-41 years.
The new Municipal Housing Facility By-Law allows for incentive stacking with local municipalities for approved projects.
Work continues with local municipalities to leverage other non-financial incentives for development of new affordable housing. Regional staff are supporting local municipalities’ work and efforts to reduce parking requirements to increase housing affordability.
Pillar 4: Optimize existing stock
Action 4.2
By summer 2018, explore purchase and repurposing of several Peel Children’s Aid Society (CAS) properties for use as transitional housing.
Status: Complete
Description
2 homes previously owned by Peel CAS were purchased by the Region in 2018 for supportive housing. One home is used as the transitional home for survivors of human sex trafficking.
Action 4.7
Develop programs to create movement through the affordable housing stock by supporting those who are “over housed” to move to alternative accommodations and helping people to improve employment opportunities.
Status: Complete
Description
Since 2018, Peel Housing Corporation has completed over 181 transfers within their housing portfolio to enable over-housed households to move to appropriately sized units.
The Service Manager transfer policy was reviewed in alignment with the needs-based approach to subsidy administration.
The new service delivery pathway focuses on case planning and offers clients referrals to improve employment and educational opportunities.
Pillar 5: Increase supportive housing
Action 5.1
By summer 2018, award funding for a new supportive housing project.
Status: Complete
Description
On July 12, 2018, the supportive housing request for proposal (RFP) was awarded to Indwell Community Homes for the creation of 68 new affordable supportive housing units that their Lakeshore Lofts development in Mississauga.
By-Name List - A real-time list of all people experiencing homelessness. It includes a robust set of data points that support coordinated access and service prioritization at a household level and an understanding of homeless inflow and outflow at a system level.
Community Improvement Plan - A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool that can help revitalize areas within a community by designating a CIP area and providing programs, such as grants, to encourage implementation of goals identified by the municipality.
Coordinated Access - A single place or process for people experiencing homelessness to access housing and support services. It is a system-wide program designed to meet the needs of the most vulnerable first and creates a more efficient homeless serving system by helping people move through the system faster, reducing new entries to homelessness, and improving data collection and quality to provide accurate information on client needs.
Inclusionary Zoning - In December 2016, the Province of Ontario passed the Promoting Affordable Housing Act, which gives municipalities the option to implement inclusionary zoning, which requires affordable housing units to be included in residential developments.
Home for Good - Home for Good is a provincially funded program that supports the goal of ending chronic homelessness and is targeted to the four provincial priority areas including chronic homelessness, youth homelessness, Indigenous homelessness and homelessness following transitions from provincially funded institutions and service systems.
Housing First - A Housing-first approach is based on the principle that people are better able to move forward with their lives if they are first housed. As such, this approach aims to assist people who are homeless to obtain and maintain permanent, housing that is affordable and to assist those who are at risk of homelessness to remain housed.
Official Plan - A long-term plan used by municipalities to manage growth and development that reflects provincial legislation and policies. The Planning Act requires municipalities to update their official plans every 5 years.
Peel Housing Corporation - Peel Housing Corporation, also known as Peel Living, was established in 1976 and acts as a non-for-profit social housing provider owned by the Region of Peel. Peel Living is the largest community housing provider in Peel and the third largest in Ontario. Peel Living provides safe, affordable housing options to low and moderate-income earners in Peel Region.
