Thunder Bay MP Supports Audit of Social Housing Units
Thunder Bay MP Backs Audit of Vacant Social Housing Units
THUNDER BAY — A push from Elevate NWO for an audit of vacant social housing units has gained the endorsement of Lise Vaugeois, MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North.
Vaugeois described the audit proposal as “a good idea,” adding, “We need to clear the air on that particular issue.” Her comments followed a letter sent last week by Elevate NWO Executive Director Holly Gauvin to Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra.
Gauvin called for “an immediate and comprehensive investigation” into the number of vacant units managed by the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB). The board operates properties that can house approximately 2,500 tenants.
In her letter, Gauvin raised concerns about unconfirmed reports suggesting there could be as many as 200 vacant units. “An alarming statistic that demands immediate scrutiny,” she wrote, while also urging a “concrete plan” to repair and reintroduce these units into service within 12 months.
Additionally, Gauvin requested information on how long the units have remained unoccupied and called for prioritizing their availability for individuals currently living in shelters or encampments. She also urged consultations with local stakeholders to update DSSAB policies to better address homelessness effectively and humanely.
So far, the DSSAB has declined to respond to her statements.
Vaugeois applauded Gauvin’s efforts. “I know there are tensions in the city about whether or not those units could be made available. If there are as many as 200, that’s a significant question,” she said. “Holly is in a position to have that insight. She’s not just making noise. She sees people who are homeless and knows there are spaces in the city. What are the barriers to getting those spaces fit for people to live?”
The MP said she plans to raise the issue with Minister Calandra, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the city’s housing crisis.
Meanwhile, Minister Calandra’s spokesperson, Holland Holland, acknowledged the concerns raised by Elevate NWO but did not explicitly support the audit. He noted that DSSAB is receiving $14.2 million through the provincial Homelessness Prevention Program to address local housing needs.
“While I acknowledge Elevate NWO’s concerns, we continue working with our partners to ensure housing resources are used effectively and that policies are updated to support humane conditions,” Holland wrote.
The DSSAB has yet to comment on whether it will proceed with the audit or make changes to its policies.
