Housing Needs Assessment

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This project is now complete. A final update has been posted in the news feed and final documents have been posted to the page. Thank you for your participation!

The County of Brant is conducting a Housing Needs Assessment to understand what kinds of homes our community needs now and in the future. This assessment study is essential as it helps the County plan for growth and access funding from the Canadian government to support housing initiatives and create made-in-Brant solutions for our housing needs. To be completed by April, one of the first steps in this process is updating rules to allow four units as-of-right in areas with full municipal servicing.

What is a Housing Needs Assessment?

This Housing Needs Assessment will examine different types of homes, including

The County of Brant is conducting a Housing Needs Assessment to understand what kinds of homes our community needs now and in the future. This assessment study is essential as it helps the County plan for growth and access funding from the Canadian government to support housing initiatives and create made-in-Brant solutions for our housing needs. To be completed by April, one of the first steps in this process is updating rules to allow four units as-of-right in areas with full municipal servicing.

What is a Housing Needs Assessment?

This Housing Needs Assessment will examine different types of homes, including single family detached homes, apartments, and townhomes, and whether residents rent or own. The study will also assess housing affordability. The goal will be to better understand overall housing needs so the County can consider ways to provide suitable homes for everyone.

We will collect information on housing costs, availability, and whether homes meet the needs of the people who live in them. To do this, we will work closely with local organizations, community members, and the City of Brantford, which helps manage housing services for the County. This phase of the study is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025.

Why is This Important?

The final report from this study will help guide future decisions about housing, land use, and community growth. By understanding current and future housing needs, the County can make informed choices to support residents and ensure safe, affordable housing options. The full report will be completed by June 2025.

Challenges We Face

Like many municipalities across the province, the County of Brant faces several challenges in providing housing for everyone. Some residents struggle to find affordable homes, and there is a shortage of housing options for individuals with special needs. Without a strong plan, it will be difficult to ensure the community grows in a way that benefits all residents.

Project Goals

  • The Housing Needs Assessment will help:
  • Identify what we have for existing housing.
  • Identify housing needs.
  • Predict future housing demands.
  • Determine where housing is lacking.
  • Collaborate with key community partners.
  • Inform planning for land use and financial investments.
  • Ensure residents have a voice in housing decisions

What Happens Next?

Once we have gathered all necessary data and community input, we will present recommendations to the County Council. These recommendations may include:

  • Setting targets for new housing developments.
  • Allocating funding for housing initiatives.
  • Updating land use policies.
  • Advocating for additional federal and provincial housing support.

FAQs

We have included a list of frequently asked questions to help answer some questions you may have.

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This project is now complete. A final update has been posted in the news feed and final documents have been posted to the page. Thank you for your participation!

County of Brant Staff aim to maintain a respectful and constructive dialogue with the public through all forms of communication. We understand and appreciate that people will have differing opinions and concerns, and welcome all feedback, questions, and comments in a respectful and constructive manner.

Please ask your question or leave your comment below. We will do our best to respond within 3 business days. You may also find answers to some of your questions on our FAQs page.

  • Share Why don't the small communities build on unused property such as where the old maple ave school is in Burford? on Facebook Share Why don't the small communities build on unused property such as where the old maple ave school is in Burford? on Twitter Share Why don't the small communities build on unused property such as where the old maple ave school is in Burford? on Linkedin Email Why don't the small communities build on unused property such as where the old maple ave school is in Burford? link

    Why don't the small communities build on unused property such as where the old maple ave school is in Burford?

    Sherry Chant asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your question. 

    The noted property currently has a holding provision in the County’s Zoning By-law and no development can happen until certain requirements such as adequate provision of municipal servicing infrastructure, appropriate timing and phasing of the development, applicable legal agreements, and all required studies are met. While there is a growing need for infill development and diverse housing options in the County, this must be balanced with the availability of essential services and infrastructure such as road access, utilities, emergency services, as well as water and wastewater infrastructure, to support new development. For the site in question, the primary concern has been ensuring the provision of adequate water and wastewater servicing. County staff will continue to monitor servicing capacity and ensure alignment with planning policies to support responsible and sustainable growth.

  • Share When will Brant County allow for year around trailer park living? There can be a park for seniors, one for families and another for the homeless people. Fences can be erected around each park as to not offend some people. Lots can be rented like apartments, with each lot having a unit number, and the property number Eg, 299- 99 Main St. . Parks can be designed to accommodate emergency vehicles. Fruit trees and gardens could also be added. This is an economical way for people to live. If the Ontario government can buy trailers for northern Indigenous people to live in, why can’t local governments in Southern Ontario the same consideration? Or are local governments in Southern Ontario discriminatory? on Facebook Share When will Brant County allow for year around trailer park living? There can be a park for seniors, one for families and another for the homeless people. Fences can be erected around each park as to not offend some people. Lots can be rented like apartments, with each lot having a unit number, and the property number Eg, 299- 99 Main St. . Parks can be designed to accommodate emergency vehicles. Fruit trees and gardens could also be added. This is an economical way for people to live. If the Ontario government can buy trailers for northern Indigenous people to live in, why can’t local governments in Southern Ontario the same consideration? Or are local governments in Southern Ontario discriminatory? on Twitter Share When will Brant County allow for year around trailer park living? There can be a park for seniors, one for families and another for the homeless people. Fences can be erected around each park as to not offend some people. Lots can be rented like apartments, with each lot having a unit number, and the property number Eg, 299- 99 Main St. . Parks can be designed to accommodate emergency vehicles. Fruit trees and gardens could also be added. This is an economical way for people to live. If the Ontario government can buy trailers for northern Indigenous people to live in, why can’t local governments in Southern Ontario the same consideration? Or are local governments in Southern Ontario discriminatory? on Linkedin Email When will Brant County allow for year around trailer park living? There can be a park for seniors, one for families and another for the homeless people. Fences can be erected around each park as to not offend some people. Lots can be rented like apartments, with each lot having a unit number, and the property number Eg, 299- 99 Main St. . Parks can be designed to accommodate emergency vehicles. Fruit trees and gardens could also be added. This is an economical way for people to live. If the Ontario government can buy trailers for northern Indigenous people to live in, why can’t local governments in Southern Ontario the same consideration? Or are local governments in Southern Ontario discriminatory? link

    When will Brant County allow for year around trailer park living? There can be a park for seniors, one for families and another for the homeless people. Fences can be erected around each park as to not offend some people. Lots can be rented like apartments, with each lot having a unit number, and the property number Eg, 299- 99 Main St. . Parks can be designed to accommodate emergency vehicles. Fruit trees and gardens could also be added. This is an economical way for people to live. If the Ontario government can buy trailers for northern Indigenous people to live in, why can’t local governments in Southern Ontario the same consideration? Or are local governments in Southern Ontario discriminatory?

    Maleman asked about 2 months ago

     Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate your attention to this matter.

    Through the Housing Needs Assessment, the County has identified the need for more creative and non-traditional housing models, including tiny homes and mobile homes. The County of Brant Official Plan (Part 5, Section 1.20) includes policies related to Mobile Home Parks and supports the creation and expansion of these uses within Parks and Open Space designation, subject to land use and safety considerations. County staff continue to work with our existing local mobile home communities to support year-round living for residents, while ensuring adequate servicing and safety requirements are met.  

  • Share There are lots of very old neighbourhoods throughout the county, with great examples of heritage buildings, so I'm curious to know if there are any limits on what one can build/modify in more subjective terms, like "does this suit the surrounding neighbourhood", or is this “architecturally appropriate”. Rather than just the objective regulations around height, size, usage, etc. on Facebook Share There are lots of very old neighbourhoods throughout the county, with great examples of heritage buildings, so I'm curious to know if there are any limits on what one can build/modify in more subjective terms, like "does this suit the surrounding neighbourhood", or is this “architecturally appropriate”. Rather than just the objective regulations around height, size, usage, etc. on Twitter Share There are lots of very old neighbourhoods throughout the county, with great examples of heritage buildings, so I'm curious to know if there are any limits on what one can build/modify in more subjective terms, like "does this suit the surrounding neighbourhood", or is this “architecturally appropriate”. Rather than just the objective regulations around height, size, usage, etc. on Linkedin Email There are lots of very old neighbourhoods throughout the county, with great examples of heritage buildings, so I'm curious to know if there are any limits on what one can build/modify in more subjective terms, like "does this suit the surrounding neighbourhood", or is this “architecturally appropriate”. Rather than just the objective regulations around height, size, usage, etc. link

    There are lots of very old neighbourhoods throughout the county, with great examples of heritage buildings, so I'm curious to know if there are any limits on what one can build/modify in more subjective terms, like "does this suit the surrounding neighbourhood", or is this “architecturally appropriate”. Rather than just the objective regulations around height, size, usage, etc.

    Ian asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your question.

    One of the general development criteria in the County’s Official Plan is that the proposed developments be compatible with surrounding land uses. Several factors must be considered such as land use compatibility, scale and intensity, as well as design and built form to ensure that new developments would not negatively impact the existing uses. Identifying and preserving cultural heritage resources is a key part of the County’s commitment to protecting community character and supporting responsible growth. Before development, properties listed on the heritage inventory may be required to prepare studies such as a Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment and a Conservation Plan. These additional measures help preserve what we value, while contributing to compatible land use development.  The County is also in the process of transitioning away from the zoning bylaw, which lacks regulations for evaluating neighbourhood suitability. The creation of a Community Planning Permit System as a new implementation tool would assist the County in establishing more design-related regulations for future developments.

  • Share First, let's keep our small towns small. Find other places to build, such as by renewing run-down parts of the city. There's lots of space within walking-distance or a short bus-ride to Brantford's amenities. The idea of year-round living in trailer parks isn't a bad one. It's affordable, practical, and ideal for some people (especially those downsizing), and frees up housing for those who it is not ideal for. on Facebook Share First, let's keep our small towns small. Find other places to build, such as by renewing run-down parts of the city. There's lots of space within walking-distance or a short bus-ride to Brantford's amenities. The idea of year-round living in trailer parks isn't a bad one. It's affordable, practical, and ideal for some people (especially those downsizing), and frees up housing for those who it is not ideal for. on Twitter Share First, let's keep our small towns small. Find other places to build, such as by renewing run-down parts of the city. There's lots of space within walking-distance or a short bus-ride to Brantford's amenities. The idea of year-round living in trailer parks isn't a bad one. It's affordable, practical, and ideal for some people (especially those downsizing), and frees up housing for those who it is not ideal for. on Linkedin Email First, let's keep our small towns small. Find other places to build, such as by renewing run-down parts of the city. There's lots of space within walking-distance or a short bus-ride to Brantford's amenities. The idea of year-round living in trailer parks isn't a bad one. It's affordable, practical, and ideal for some people (especially those downsizing), and frees up housing for those who it is not ideal for. link

    First, let's keep our small towns small. Find other places to build, such as by renewing run-down parts of the city. There's lots of space within walking-distance or a short bus-ride to Brantford's amenities. The idea of year-round living in trailer parks isn't a bad one. It's affordable, practical, and ideal for some people (especially those downsizing), and frees up housing for those who it is not ideal for.

    JasonC asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your feedback.

    The rural and small-town feel in the County of Brant is an important characteristic and is underscored in the County's Official Plan to help guide development. While urban growth is inevitable and regulated at a high level by the Province, the municipality will continue to try and shape that growth to maintain a small-town feel as best as we can. The County of Brant is expected to grow by about 1.3% each year, reaching at least 59,000 residents by 2051. The Province of Ontario assigns minimum growth targets to municipalities to spread growth out in various areas, and the City of Brantford has separate growth targets from the County of Brant. To accommodate growth in a responsible and sustainable way, the County needs to support a variety of housing options that are close to services and amenities and make good use of existing and planned infrastructure. Smaller, more affordable, and compact housing models are becoming more important, especially for seniors and young people. As you pointed out, expanding or creating mobile home parks can help provide more housing options, which the County supports if certain land use, servicing, and safety requirements are met.

  • Share Has the county considered clarifying the definition of ARUs with respect to Accessory buildings? In Urban Residential Zones the maximum lot coverage for Accessory buildings is the lesser of 15% or lot area or 95m^2; on larger residential lots it could be beneficial to allow for a higher total coverage if an ARU not attached to the main dwelling unit was constructed, or consider an ARU as a separately defined building different than the generic accessory building definition. on Facebook Share Has the county considered clarifying the definition of ARUs with respect to Accessory buildings? In Urban Residential Zones the maximum lot coverage for Accessory buildings is the lesser of 15% or lot area or 95m^2; on larger residential lots it could be beneficial to allow for a higher total coverage if an ARU not attached to the main dwelling unit was constructed, or consider an ARU as a separately defined building different than the generic accessory building definition. on Twitter Share Has the county considered clarifying the definition of ARUs with respect to Accessory buildings? In Urban Residential Zones the maximum lot coverage for Accessory buildings is the lesser of 15% or lot area or 95m^2; on larger residential lots it could be beneficial to allow for a higher total coverage if an ARU not attached to the main dwelling unit was constructed, or consider an ARU as a separately defined building different than the generic accessory building definition. on Linkedin Email Has the county considered clarifying the definition of ARUs with respect to Accessory buildings? In Urban Residential Zones the maximum lot coverage for Accessory buildings is the lesser of 15% or lot area or 95m^2; on larger residential lots it could be beneficial to allow for a higher total coverage if an ARU not attached to the main dwelling unit was constructed, or consider an ARU as a separately defined building different than the generic accessory building definition. link

    Has the county considered clarifying the definition of ARUs with respect to Accessory buildings? In Urban Residential Zones the maximum lot coverage for Accessory buildings is the lesser of 15% or lot area or 95m^2; on larger residential lots it could be beneficial to allow for a higher total coverage if an ARU not attached to the main dwelling unit was constructed, or consider an ARU as a separately defined building different than the generic accessory building definition.

    KKeats asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question.

    The County’s Zoning By-law defines ARUs separately from accessory uses but applies similar setbacks and height restrictions.

    As part of the four-units-as-of-right review, the County is considering clarifying the ARU definition and looking at distinguishing detached ARUs from generic accessory buildings. The proposed changes will need to consider how future infill developments are considerate of the surrounding developments. However, as you mentioned, larger lots could benefit from increased total coverage for detached ARUs. We appreciate your input and will take this into account as we review the existing regulations.

  • Share Can there be a freeze on rent increases? The cost of renting has become ridiculous especially for single income families. on Facebook Share Can there be a freeze on rent increases? The cost of renting has become ridiculous especially for single income families. on Twitter Share Can there be a freeze on rent increases? The cost of renting has become ridiculous especially for single income families. on Linkedin Email Can there be a freeze on rent increases? The cost of renting has become ridiculous especially for single income families. link

    Can there be a freeze on rent increases? The cost of renting has become ridiculous especially for single income families.

    Diane Burgess asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Most private residential rental units, including those in single and semi-detached dwellings, apartments and condominiums, and secondary units (e.g. basement apartments), are governed by Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Under the RTA, the rent increase for 2025 is 2.5%, which is the maximum a landlord can increase the rent during a year without the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board. All applicable residential units must follow the provincial rent increase guideline set for each year. The provincial government can also implement a freeze on rent increases. For example, in 2021, the rent increase guideline was set at 0% to support tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    More information regarding residential rent increases can be found at the following link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/residential-rent-increases