Council tips hat to Habitat for Humanity for its work in the city
By Timothy Schafer
Fees for a fourth Habitat for Humanity housing project in Grand Forks has been given fiscal support by city council.
Council agreed by resolution to waive $8,840 in development fees, after requesting a staff report last month on the total amount of fees and charges Habitat for Humanity Southeastern BC (HFHSEBC) was asking for.
Coun. Colleen Ross said that affordable housing was an issue across the province as well as in Grand Forks so the city needed to help with solutions whenever it could.
"I think it is incumbent upon us as a city to encourage affordable housing and to show Habitat for Humanity that we care about" the work it is doing," she said.
Coun. Julia Butler agreed.
"We are trying everything to support affordable housing, get people off of the streets, get them into their own homes," she said. "This is a pittance ... to support them."
"I don't like waiving anything," said Coun. Neil Krog.
"Yes it's good for the community ... but it's not what I consider affordable housing. If it was rental housing then I would consider it because it would be low cost rent."
Ultimately Krog voted with the majority, and Ross' motion passed unanimously.
HFHSEBC is looking to build three new homes in the city on two lots on 72nd Ave., said Bob Huff, executive director for HFHSEBC, including a duplex and a single family home on the other lot.
"This will allow our affiliate to save on the costs associated with building the homes," he said. "Ours is a small affiliate that builds homes using donations from companies, service clubs and individuals and with Gift in Kind product from national donors through HFH Canada."
City staff said a seven-plex unit built for Habitat for Humanity was given waivers in 2010.