Kenora Needs 1,600+ Housing Units to Avert Crisis NOW

UPDATE: Kenora is facing an urgent housing crisis, with a need for over 1,600 housing units immediately and projections indicating a shocking increase to 2,300 units in just five years. A critical housing needs assessment report was presented to the city’s committee today, outlining the dire situation that demands immediate action.

The report, commissioned earlier this year, reveals that Kenora’s current housing shortage is significantly impacting its ability to attract new talent and retain essential services such as healthcare. According to Stace Gander, Kenora’s Chief Administrative Officer, “We didn’t really have the data that we needed to tell a compelling story in terms of what the need really was in Kenora.” This lack of concrete data has hindered successful funding applications to upper levels of government.

The assessment, conducted by Tim Welch Consultants Inc., highlights that the majority of Kenora’s housing stock—over 77 percent—consists of single-family detached homes, which is notably higher than other cities in northern Ontario. This imbalance is particularly concerning as over 20 percent of the population is aged 65 and older, limiting options for those looking to downsize.

Frazier Fathers, a senior housing consultant and lead author of the report, emphasizes the need for diverse housing options. “If that senior can downsize to an apartment or condo, it then frees up a single-family home for a new family,” he explains. The current lack of affordable housing options has created a bottleneck, stifling community growth.

The report also addresses the challenges posed by the Canadian Shield which complicates construction efforts and drives up costs. Coupled with a low number of purpose-built rental units, these factors create barriers for businesses trying to attract employees in the area. Gander notes that the housing shortage directly affects frontline services, including healthcare, jeopardizing the ability of hospitals and clinics to retain staff.

In response to this pressing issue, the city of Kenora has pinpointed thirteen key actions designed to tackle the housing shortage. Among these initiatives is a plan to develop a 115-acre site in collaboration with the All-Nations Health Care Partners and the Kenora Chief’s Advisory, which will include a new hospital and 500 new housing units.

Kenora is also set to launch a new master infrastructure plan, aiming to make additional city lands available for housing and aggressively pursue funding from higher levels of government. Fathers advocates for this funding, which could alleviate some construction costs and draw in more developers.

Gander assures residents that the city is actively engaging with developers to address the housing crisis head-on. “I can tell you, in the next couple of years, you’re going to see a lot of housing starts here in Kenora,” he states, promising a proactive approach in the face of an escalating crisis.

As housing advocates and residents watch closely, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. With escalating demand and a clear plan on the table, Kenora stands at a critical juncture—one that will shape the future of its community and economy.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Kenora takes decisive steps to resolve its housing challenges.