District of Muskoka Housing Survey

Help Shape the Future of Housing in Muskoka

The District of Muskoka is committed to meeting the housing needs of residents. We want to hear from you—whether you’re a resident, a housing provider, a service organization, or someone supporting others in the community. Your insights on current housing challenges and potential solutions will help shape our approach.

As part of the update to Muskoka’s Housing and Homelessness Plan, we are gathering input on the housing needs and gaps affecting residents today and in the future. Your feedback through this survey will help inform strategies to improve housing options across Muskoka.

Thank you for sharing your perspective!

The information on this survey is collected under the authority of section 10, Municipal Act. The information will only be used to improve the District of Muskoka’s commitment to public engagement and is subject to the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1990. Any questions about the survey or other consultation opportunities can be directed to:

Jodi Ball
Engagement Lead
jodi@jconsultinggroup.ca
905-399-5634

Question Title

* 1. What do you see as the most pressing housing issue currently facing Muskoka? (Select all that apply)

Homelessness

Lack of affordable rental housing

Lack of housing with support services (i.e., mental health supports, supports with daily living)

Lack of interim housing (e.g. emergency, transitional)

Lack of diversity/mix in housing forms and types

Limited availability or long waiting lists for support services (e.g. mental health, addictions, or other essential services)

Barriers to accessing support services

Lack of income

Lack of affordable ownership housing

I don’t know

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. Are there groups of residents that, in your opinion, have a particularly difficult time finding adequate, affordable housing? (Select all that apply)

Youth

Indigenous Peoples

LGBTQ2S+

Seniors

New immigrants

People with disabilities

Racialized communities

Families

Single parents

Women

Men

Temporary foreign workers or seasonal labourers

Students

I don’t know

Other (please specify additional groups or populations not listed)

Question Title

* 3. What do you see as the biggest challenges to meeting future housing needs in Muskoka? (Select all that apply)

Limited land availability

High costs of development (i.e., construction costs, land prices, fees and charges, shortage of labour)

Lack of funding, incentives and/or subsidies

Zoning and regulatory barriers

Community opposition to new developments

Insufficient infrastructure (e.g. sewage capacity, roads, public transit)

Lack of mix in housing types

Economic conditions (e.g. inflation, high interest rates)

I don’t know

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 4. What types of housing support services are most needed in Muskoka? (Select all that apply)

Rent subsidies

Comprehensive supports for mental health, addictions, and other complex needs

Services for seniors to age in place

Emergency shelter services for people experiencing homelessness

Transitional and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness

Programs for first-time homebuyers

Supports for landlords

I don’t know

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. What opportunities and approaches do you think could help address housing challenges and future housing needs? (Select all that apply)

Repurposing vacant or underused buildings

Using surplus municipal-owned land for housing

Speeding up development/project approvals

Partnerships with private developers

Increased funding for affordable housing

Compact and prefabricated housing solutions (e.g., tiny homes, modular units, 3D printing)

Co-housing or shared living arrangements

Zoning reforms to allow more diverse and flexible housing types

Land trusts (land held by a non-profit organization for affordable housing and community benefit) or other non-profit ownership models

Tax incentives for affordable housing development

Encouraging mixed-use developments (i.e., mix of housing types and tenure)

Encouraging renting out of basement apartments or additional self-contained units

Providing additional supports to small landlords

Expanding public transit to support new housing areas

I don’t know

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 6. Which of the following best describes the perspective you are responding from? (Select all that apply)

Resident

Individual with lived experience of homelessness

Non profit service provider

Non profit housing provider

Private sector developer

Private market landlord or property manager

Real estate professional

Business owner/employer

Municipal government staff

Elected official

Indigenous government or organization

Faith-based organization representative

Funder

Other (please specify)