Phase Two will see the administration of the entire social housing sector become the responsibility of the Region. The transfer of the social housing portfolio will be phased in over the course of the next eleven months, with implementation to be completed by April 1, 2002. The resolution endorsed by Council will see the creation of a new Housing Agency to oversee the entire social housing portfolio. The composition of the Board of Directors will attempt to include cross-sectoral representation, as well as public involvement. The chosen model of governance will recognize and accommodate the various social housing sectors, allowing Council to capitalize on the knowledge base and expertise of those involved in social housing and provides a forum for representation from all parts of the social housing business.
Public accountability is increased as elected representation forms part of the governance structure.
During the development of the Plan, stakeholders were encouraged to provide input to Regional staff at public consultation sessions, as well as through participation by sector representatives on the Social Housing Task Force. This same mechanism will be used to determine the composition of the Board and will allow for the continuation of this open and consultative process. As an Agency of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the new social housing Agency will be required to adhere to Council's approved Budget Guidelines and Budget Schedule. The Budget will be subject to Council's Budget Review Committee to give Council final authority. There is an interest to encourage current employees of the NHC to apply for positions with the new Agency and be given service recognition for purposes of any offer of employment.