The Rural Ontario Institute has introduced their Rural Housing Information System (RHIS), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at centralizing housing data and addressing the critical lack of information in rural municipalities.
Recognizing the need to centralize rural housing data onto a single platform, the RHIS was developed to overcome the hurdles faced by many rural municipalities in assessing housing needs and identifying gaps. Currently, many rural areas lack access to comprehensive housing data, making it difficult to plan and secure funding for affordable housing initiatives.
Project Manager Kezia Cowtan says that the database will serve as a comparative tool,
Although the database’s initial launch covered 103 rural municipalities in eastern Ontario, they are currently collaborating to gather and consolidate housing data from Western municipalities, with a future aim to cover the northern regions as well.
The system provides a wealth of information, including average shelter costs, income levels, affordable housing needs, community asset mapping displaying schools, parks, health centers, and arenas, as well as data reports on demographics pulled from census reports.
Additionally, the RHIS offers housing market reports, rental costs, a housing supply page detailing affordable housing units operated by housing corporations and municipalities, information on incentives for building affordable housing (such as provincial and federal grants), zoning details highlighting settlement areas in rural counties, and statistics that compare different municipalities.
Many municipalities lack the resources and time to scour for data, making the compilation process time-consuming and arduous. Cowtan says that rural municipalities often face difficulties in accessing capital as they are pooled with larger regions and urban centers, hindering their ability to demonstrate the specific needs of their communities.
By the fall, the RHIS aims to complete its system, providing comprehensive and accessible housing data. It will include local municipalities such as Lambton Shores, Bluewater, South Huron, as well as the County of Huron, and other local governments. The website will serve as a tool for a variety of local government workers,
The Rural Ontario Institute envisions the Rural Housing Information System as a catalyst for stimulating housing development where it is most needed and equipping stakeholders with the information necessary to address housing challenges effectively, creating a continuum of housing for everyone.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
