We are expanding on our platform to address the missing middle ($51K–$90K income earners). Social housing targets low-income residents, while market-rate builds cater to high earners. Our policy protects working-class families and renters through workforce ground leases and dual-action bylaw enforcement.
Working-Class & Middle-Income Housing Stability
Strategic Overview
The City of Kitchener must address the acute gap in workforce housing. By leveraging municipal surplus land through 99-year ground leases with non-profits and co-ops under Section 110 of the Municipal Act, we can secure long-term affordability for middle-income workers ($51K–$90K) without relying on ongoing taxpayer subsidies. Concurrently, our proposed updates to the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) under the Building Code Act create a dual-action enforcement mechanism that holds negligent landlords financially accountable to both the city and affected tenants.
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Q: How does the tenant compensation work?
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A: "If a landlord ignores a 24-hour order to fix vital services like heat or water, the city fines them daily and orders them to pay you a daily compensation credit until it's fixed. If they refuse to pay, the city pays you directly and adds the bill to the landlord's tax roll."
Legislative Mechanism & Bylaw Structure
Enacted under the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001 (Section 110 regarding Municipal Capital Facilities) and the Planning Act.
Everton Dixon will use Land Retention Mandate, then apply Income Target Covenants, all with Equity Protection. This is how a commercial and residential appraiser addresses the needs of Ward 10 residents.
Everton will prohibit the outright sale of city-owned surplus land suitable for residential development. All transfers must occur via 99-year municipal ground leases to non-profit housing providers or equity-lock housing co-operatives.
Everton will push to restrict 100% of units constructed under this framework to households earning between $51,000 and $90,000 annually (indexed to local Area Median Income). Rents are legally capped at 80% of the Average Market Rent (AMR) as published annually by CMHC, or at 30% of the gross household income for the target demographic.
And to hedge against corporate developer greed. He will make the city registered on title as a restrictive covenant running with the land for the full 99-year duration.
The Man Behind the Plan
Implementation Plan
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Phase 1 (Sites Identification): Audit the municipal real estate portfolio in Ward 10 to identify underutilized parking lots, vacant parcels, and strategic properties (e.g., 450–470 King Street East).
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Phase 2 (RFP Release): Issue competitive Requests for Proposals (RFPs) exclusively to non-profit housing providers and co-operatives.
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Phase 3 (Tenant Selection): Establish a centralized, income-verified waiting list managed through Kitchener Housing Inc. or a community partner.
Dual-Action Property Standards & Tenant Restitution Bylaw
Everton will use the following Legislative Mechanism. Enacted under Section 15.1 of the Building Code Act, 1992 and Section 425 of the Municipal Act, 2001 (Administrative Monetary Penalty System - AMPS)
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Everton's Bylaw Structure he will bring to city hall:
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Triggering Violations: Covers vital service failures (loss of heat between Sept 15 and May 31, no running/hot water, loss of electricity), structural water leaks, severe mold, and active pest infestations.
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Dual-Penalty Model so money goes to the residents of ward 10 not just the city's pockets:
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City Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP): Fines starting at $500/day for non-compliance after a 24-hour emergency order expires.
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Direct Tenant Compensation Order: Mandatory daily rent credit or cash payout (calculated at $100/day plus hotel/relocation costs where applicable) paid directly by the landlord to the tenant until repairs are certified complete by a City Inspector.
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Implementation Plan
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Phase 1 (Staffing & Triage): Reallocate municipal enforcement resources to create a 24-Hour Emergency Response Team within Kitchener Bylaw Enforcement.
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Phase 2 (Escrow & Tax-Roll Lien): If a landlord refuses to pay tenant compensation, the City pays the tenant directly from a Municipal Tenant Relief Escrow Fund and adds the cost, plus interest and a 25% surcharge, directly onto the landlord’s municipal property tax bill.
The Legal Framewoork
