​Petition calls for community vote on location of affordable housing proposal in Kincardine

A 163-name petition was presented to Kincardine council at its meeting Wednesday night (May 14), calling for a community vote and ratepayer inclusion on the location of a proposed affordable housing development at 705 Princes Street, Kincardine.

Bill Brown presented the petition, regarding the plans to build a three-storey supportive housing unit on the parking lot of the Bruce Power Training Centre, the former W.E. Thompson Public School.

Earlier in the meeting, three councillors – Jennifer Prenger, Beth Blackwell and Stellina Williams - declared a conflict of interest, leaving only mayor Kenneth Craig, deputy mayor Andrea Clarke, and councillors Bill Stewart and Rory Cavanagh at the table. Councillors Mike Hinchberger and Amanda Steinhoff-Gray were absent.

In his presentation, Brown stated that the supportive housing development stems from a report by an entity called Flourish which was commissioned to identify preferred places in Kincardine to build affordable housing. Its 21-page report was accepted by council, Oct. 23, 2024.

Brown said council then proposed severing off a portion of the parking lot at 705 Princes Street, to build a 34-unit, single-room shelter (plus, potentially much more, including converting the entire school building, itself, into similar housing).

He attended the Nov. 13 council meeting and was quite surprised to see that only four people voted in favour, with one against. All the other councillors declared a pecuniary interest.

Brown stated that Flourish is, effectively, the sales arm of Indwell Charity which is a religious group that believes it is doing God’s work by getting municipalities to donate free land for projects, then getting money from various government ministries to build housing units on “under-used” space – which this location certainly is not.

He said that the charity creates housing for, in Indwell’s own words, “people who have trouble accessing housing” – and that does not mean they need to have ramps installed.

“The housing they (Flourish) suggest is not ‘affordable’ housing, it is ‘supportive’ housing,” said Brown. “You can do your own research into how well those projects are turning out. Ask the police chiefs and local residents in those towns where something similar has been done.

“Council tried to deflect concerns and said that the proposal for 705 Princes Street could be used for women transitioning from the Women’s House shelter, or for low-income seniors. The blueprint, however, shows 34 units far too small to be a long-term home for anyone, and includes a 34-seat dining area downstairs to feed the residents, with a commercial kitchen. It is not intended for people to live in like an apartment. It is transitional supportive housing.”

Brown said many people who signed the petition were completely unaware of these plans, while those who had heard about it said, “Where’s the pen?”

“The most common response was that people were surprised that council would consider this location at all,” he said. “People questioned reducing the size of an essential parking lot, and the fact that an institutional, three-storey building does not fit with the character of the neighbourhood, and would overwhelm a family area with ‘transitional’ tenants.

“As well, it is a narrow, dead-end street, which would prove difficult for emergency vehicles to access, especially with the inevitable security interventions, which, by the way, would be paid for by the municipality for many years. We believe other locations, with projects that actually could accommodate low-income seniors or affordable housing for families, would be a much better fit for Kincardine.”



The south end of the parking lot at 705 Princes Street, Kincardine, where the proposed affordable housing development is to be located



Brown said that the parking lot at 705 Princes Street, as it is right now, is probably the highest and best use of the land. When not in use by Bruce Power, residents and tourists fill it for every single downtown or Victoria Park event.

“Every Saturday Night Pipe Band Parade, every Monday Market, every theatre guild play, town fireworks, church and BIA events, not to mention the Easter egg hunt, Blues Fest, Massed Bands and Scottish Festival,” he said. “The surrounding neighbourhood cannot accommodate more vehicle parking for all these events. Why give away a million-dollar asset? Is council willing to lose these events?

“Ratepayers are concerned that their opinions are not being heard – or even sought. Kincardine residents are concerned about the potential of changing our beautiful, historic downtown area – possibly forever. Local residents are concerned about their property values, safety, and emergency access.

“We feel that community engagement and transparency deserve to be higher on council’s agenda, so we have come here to tell you so, in person. We strongly urge you to consider public sentiment, gather actual feedback about changes to the Official Plan, and grant the petition for a community vote and public inclusion on the location for any proposed affordable housing development.”

“I agree with you,” said councillor Bill Stewart, “the community should have been informed. I’ll be putting forward a motion to have this overturned. We need to take another look at it.”

Deputy mayor Andrea Clarke also agreed, saying it’s important to have public consultation about what has been proposed.