Former Councillor Proposes Unique Housing Initiative in Ward 4

The municipal election might still be four months away, but Stephen Orser believes it’s not too early to share ideas for improving the city.

After being away from city hall for 12 years, the former city councillor is making a comeback in Ward 4 with an innovative plan aimed at tackling homelessness, which he claims will begin right from his own home.

“This is the cornerstone of the Orser campaign,” he said.

He shared these thoughts while standing in what was previously an unfinished single-vehicle garage at his north London residence. Orser, 65, has invested about $50,000 of his own funds to transform the garage into a compact, self-contained living unit that features its own entrance.

It’s insulated, heated with radiant heat, lined with pine paneling, and equipped with plumbing for a small bathroom and kitchenette.

“It’s totally up to code; it’s got all permits in place,” he said, gesturing towards the city-issued permit taped on the window.

Turning part of a house built in the 1960s into livable space isn’t an entirely new concept. The city provides incentives for homeowners who wish to add additional residential units to their properties.

However, Orser’s proposal focuses on creating an incentive program specifically designed to assist homeowners in transforming unused areas like garages and basements into homes for individuals experiencing homelessness.

By converting his own garage into a small apartment as proof-of-concept for his initiative, he’s looking forward to sharing it with voters and current council members.

He’s named this idea the Homeowners Homeless Plan and claims it would help individuals on Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program find affordable housing.

How would it work?

Stephen Orser is nearing completion of his garage conversion into a straightforward apartment. He aims for the city to establish incentives that facilitate similar transformations aimed at providing homes for those currently without shelter. (Andrew Lupton/)

This is how Orser envisions it functioning: The city would offer grants of up to $125,000 to homeowners to cover conversion expenses. In addition, property taxes would be waived while they participate in this program.

The homeowner could keep rental income but would have it capped below market rates at half of what their tenant receives in provincial support benefits. The grant would be distributed annually over ten years and turn into a loan if the homeowner exits the program early.

After ten years have passed, homeowners could then rent out the suite at market rates again but would also need to resume paying property taxes.

When questioned about potential costs for the municipality, Orser argued that it’s reasonable when compared to setting up and operating the city’s micro-modular shelter site south of Highway 401 which costs $7 million.

Orser suggests having a flexible tenant-landlord agreement that allows landlords to quickly terminate tenancy if issues arise. This likely requires some exemption from Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act due to its slow dispute resolution process riddled with complications.

‘Time we take our city back’

Orser acknowledges there may be hurdles with his plan but insists creative thinking is necessary to tackle what he sees as crippling housing and homelessness issues downtown.

“It’s time we take our city back,” he stated. “Now nobody wants to go downtown. It’s time to wrestle this homelessness problem to the ground and end it.”

Orser supports letting London residents keep backyard chickens-a topic that’s sparked past debates at city hall but is now permitted under current bylaws. (Andrew Lupton/)

‘Ward 4 Race Is Wide Open’

The race in Ward 4 is shaping up interestingly since incumbent Susan Stevenson has launched her bid for mayor amidst significant changes made since last year regarding ward boundaries.

“More than half the people in this ward are new,” noted candidate Bob Wright-a former school board trustee who placed second behind Peter Cuddy in Ward 3 during last election cycle-adding this marks Wright’s fifth run for council.

Regarding Orser’s homeless initiative, Wright remarked that any costs associated need thorough examination.

“Conceptually building those kinds of units within single-family neighborhoods aligns well with what the province envisions,” he added. “I wouldn’t outright reject it; I’d say let’s evaluate it carefully.”

Mario Jozic also enters Ward 4 race where he’s familiar territory; after finishing second against Anna Hopkins during last year’s elections running in Ward 9. He moved here from Croatia when he was just ten years old along Kipps Lane where they settled down upon arriving. Currently serving as chief operating officer at Braxx Contracting , Jozic once owned London’s Wine Bar restaurant.

Jozic considers addressing challenges surrounding drug use & homelessness downtown crucial aspect throughout campaign trail seeing how complex nature makes solutions harder although recognizes merit behind proposals like Orsers.

“If there’s anything viable that’ll contribute towards alleviating our crisis involving homelessness I’m all ears,” Jozic expressed.

With Stevenson’s absence leaving opening , Jozic views opportunity as “wide open”.

“Residents I’ve talked with really want information about candidates”, commented Jozic.

Tom Cull-previously London’s poet laureate-is running first-time candidacy within this ward. (Julianne Hazlewood/CBC) Tom Cull concurs interest levels among voters remain high despite far-off date saying previous turnout rate across cities fell short reaching just twenty-five point five percent last year; however suggesting optimism prevails indicating much better participation expected now given engagement observed so far while canvassing approximately one thousand three hundred doors already opened by him thus far!.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised how engaged folks are,” reflected Cull.”People understand issues clearly voice concerns willing chat!”

Concerning matters facing downtown area affordability public safety traffic municipal services rank highest amongst concerns voiced door-to-door according feedback gathered by him!

Cull currently works alongside Upper Thames River Conservation Authority whilst teaching Western University where previously served role poet laureate initiating Antler River Rally event cleaning springtime banks Thames each year !

Total two other candidates listed city’s website Bonnie Baleck Randi Prunner couldn’t be contacted comment story today

Candidates must submit nomination papers by August twenty-first aiming contests races happening October twenty-sixth!

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