CityHousing Hamilton fills nearly 500 vacant units

CityHousing Hamilton (CHH) has filled nearly 500 of its empty units over the last 18 months, reducing its annual vacancy rate from 9 per cent to 2.2 per cent.

The social housing provider says that it struggled to keep pace with the number of vacant units for several years, but it is now in line with the provincial average.

Significant changes to address the housing issue was made in spring 2023 after City Council approved $3.8 million in special funding to support CHH’s efforts to tackle its surplus of empty homes.

Some of the changes include adding new tracking and monitoring systems, a revised budgeting approach, and a new reserve fund to help offset cost pressures.

Nrinder Nann, Ward 3 Councillor for the City of Hamilton and president of the CityHousing Hamilton board said in a statement, “I want to extend deep appreciation to CHH staff who have addressed many system changes to enable this progress, and their work in the pursuit of being part of the solution in a housing crisis.”

“Each of these renovated units is a home that someone can afford and can build a life. This is another step towards reducing housing insecurity in Hamilton.”

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