Housing Needs Assessment

Thank you to everyone who shared feedback as part of the County of Brant’s Housing Needs Assessment. Your input is helping us better understand what kind of housing is needed now and, in the future, to support our growing and changing community.

What We’re Seeing

Through data analysis, community input, and feedback from local housing providers and developers, we’ve identified several key challenges:

• Many people are struggling to find housing that is affordable, safe, and suitable.
• Renters are being hit hardest, with lower incomes and fewer housing options than homeowners.
• There’s a shortage of two-bedroom rental units and not enough homes for seniors, young adults, or people with mobility needs.
• Most homes in Brant are single-family houses, and there’s limited availability of other types like townhomes or apartments.
• Over 60 households are waiting for affordable housing, and many more are just getting by.

What You Told Us

At the time the summary report was created, over 250 community members responded to the survey. Here’s what you’ve shared:

Affordability is a major concern – 81% of respondents say housing costs are too high.

“Even a single woman with a modest income cannot afford to rent, let alone buy.”

There aren’t enough housing choices.

“My elderly mother-in-law wants to downsize, but there’s nowhere affordable or suitable for her to go.”

People with the greatest needs – seniors, youth, and those with disabilities – are being left out.

“There’s nothing for people on fixed incomes or with mobility needs.”

Top priorities for the next 3 years:

• More affordable housing
• More rental options
• Support for seniors and first-time buyers

You want housing that fits with the character of Brant’s communities.

“Stop turning our small towns into cities. We don’t want to lose the rural charm that makes Brant special.”

You want innovative solutions.

“Encourage tiny homes, co-op housing, and generational living.”

What We Heard from Developers and Housing Providers

Feedback from developers and housing organizations echoed community concerns:

• High costs and long approval timelines are slowing down the creation of new housing.
• Rising demand and limited supply are driving up prices.
• We need a better mix of housing types, like townhouses, rental units, and accessory dwellings.
• More incentives and partnerships are needed to build affordable housing.

For more detailed information, please view the complete Housing Needs Assessment Preliminary Findings Summary Report.

What’s Next

We’re taking the next step by hosting Open Houses around the County in the coming weeks, and we’d love to hear from you!

Join us at an upcoming Open House

These events are a chance for you to:

• Learn more about the housing challenges we’re facing locally
• Share your lived experiences and ideas
• Review and provide feedback on potential solutions

Can’t make it in person? No problem. You can still share your thoughts on this page until June 6, 2025.

The feedback you share will help shape the final Housing Needs Assessment, which will be presented to Council in June 2025. The final assessment will include clear goals, tools, and recommendations for how we can:

• Create more affordable and diverse housing
• Improve rental options
• Support housing that meets the needs of all residents

Together, we’re working toward complete communities - places where everyone has a safe, suitable, and affordable place to call home.

The County of Brant has completed its Housing Needs Assessment (HNA), a report that looks at current and future housing needs in our community. This was done using a federal template required by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, making the County eligible for federal infrastructure funding. The Government of Canada has reviewed the report and confirmed it meets all their requirements. View the Housing Needs Assessment Report.

The County will now use the information in the Housing Needs Assessment to help create an action plan to present to Council in June 2025. This plan will outline steps to address housing needs in Brant over the coming years. Residents will have the chance to learn more and share their ideas at open house sessions taking place in late May and early June. Subscribe to this project for updates as they are available by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

Join us for a Public Information Meeting regarding proposed zoning changes to support four residential units as of right in Paris and St. George.

• Tuesday, May 13, 2025
• 6:00 pm
• County of Brant Council Chambers, 7 Broadway Street West, Paris

Meetings are open to the public and can also be viewed on the County of Brant YouTube Channel at brant.ca/Live

*This meeting is part of the Council Planning Meeting. To view the agenda, visit brant.ca/CouncilCalendar - agendas are published the Friday before the meeting date.

What is the meeting about?

The County of Brant is proposing changes to Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 61-16 in response to the need for more innovative, diverse, and affordable housing options in primary settlement areas, where infrastructure is already available.

What changes are being considered?

The County is updating rules for backyard buildings, basement apartments, and other extra housing units to provide more flexible housing options while maintaining gentle densities and responsible growth. A recommendation from staff and a decision on the changes are proposed for this meeting.

Can't attend the meeting but want to share your feedback?

• Submit your comments or questions online
• Email policy@brant.ca
• Mail comments to Policy Planning, 66 Grand River Street, North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M2
• Phone: 519.44BRANT (442.7268) or 1.226.387.9360
• Fax: 519.442.3461

Community input is essential to this project! Share your thoughts to help shape the future of housing in the County of Brant.

For your convenience

• Complete the online survey. Survey closes Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
• Prefer a printed survey? Stop by the main County of Brant Customer Service locations to pick up a copy until Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 4:30 pm.
• You can also complete the survey over the phone by calling 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT (1.855.442.7268).
• Have a question or comment about the Housing Needs Assessment? Let us know.

Attend a Public Meeting

The public meeting will present preliminary zoning changes and information to support four residential units as of right in Paris and St. George. These zoning changes are an early step in expanding housing options for residents of the County of Brant.

• Tuesday, April 8, 2025
• 6:00 pm
• County of Brant Council Chambers, 7 Broadway Street West, Paris

The meeting can also be viewed on the County of Brant YouTube Channel at brant.ca/Live

Meeting Details

The County of Brant is considering changes to Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 61-16 in response to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). This federal funding supports expansions and improvements to water, wastewater, stormwater, and waste systems to help communities grow responsibly. To become eligible for CHIF, the County must commit to four residential units as-of-right per lot in low-density residential areas with municipal servicing.

What changes are being considered?

The County is looking at updating rules for backyard buildings, basement apartments, and other extra housing units to provide more flexible housing options while maintaining gentle densities and responsible growth.

Can't attend the meeting but want to share your feedback?

• Submit your comments or questions online
• Email policy@brant.ca
• Mail comments to Policy Planning, 66 Grand River Street, North, Paris, ON, N3L 2M2
• Phone 519.44BRANT (442.7268) or 1.226.387.9360

Level of Engagement

For more information, please read the County of Brant's Community Engagement Framework.