What We Heard and What's Next: Housing Needs in the County of Brant

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.