2021-01-20

Bridgewater ‘hugely disappointed’ with housing commission

Bridgewater's mayor says he's "hugely disappointed" with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing response to his town's concern that a newly-formed provincial commission examining affordable housing lacks rural elected representation.

The issue is significant in Bridgewater and beyond, Mayor David Mitchell indicated in correspondence to department Minister Chuck Porter. The town supports establishment of a new committee, but the mayor wanted membership changes to include civic government voices from outside of metro areas in Cape Breton and Halifax.

In a November letter released by the town, Mitchell, and town council, called for the commission to add members from municipalities across the province. "This would ensure the voice of municipal units are considered for advocacy with respect to local and regional matters."

During a January 11 council meeting where the matter was discussed, Mitchell said the commission is absent of staffing from the group that represents municipal interests at the provincial level.

Moreover, he indicated that municipal government officials in other jurisdictions were "dumbfounded" with the department's decision. Bridgewater's mayor underlined the necessity of local input since local government officials hear about the affordable housing issue often.

"We are the ones that get the calls, and the emails and bump into people in the grocery store and the mall," Mitchell told his fellow councillors.

Porter responded saying more chances to be involved in the work will be offered, and that he had referred Mitchell's name to the official in charge of engagement.

"I have strategically appointed members based on our desire to promote diversity and inclusion, and other factors, such as individual experience and knowledge of government policies and housing market, multi-sector representation, and regional distribution," Porter said in correspondence dated in early December.

"Furthermore, our team is exploring ways in which we can engage stakeholders to be able to provide their feedback. Once this information has been finalized, we look forward to sharing with municipalities to assist us in reaching a wider audience," the minister said.