An article from the inaugural issue of the Owen Sound Herald, September 6, 1951, speaks to the need for rental housing in the City.  The story that follows it shows that all levels of government could work together to meet the need, but affordability for tenants was a concern sixty years ago as it is today.

Page 26 - Since 1947, emergency housing through sponsorship has brought to the City about 163 houses and the majority of these, first intended for rental, have now been purchased by owner-occupants.

Further housing in this City, through a private enterprise and private building, have given us about 250 houses at the rate of about 50 a year.

In spite of continued efforts by local civic authorities, there is a great need for low-cost rental housing to erase such a blot in crowded conditions as shown on this page. Authoritative sources in this City have defined the immediate housing need in Owen Sound at a minimum of 300 houses.

Mr. R.C. Taylor, Industrial Commissioner, states that the first thing a prospective industry asks for is the availability of rental housing.

Page 7 - Housing Plans Underway! Since the announcement of the Provincial Government that they will co-operate with the Federal Government and municipalities in a Rental Housing Program, the Owen Sound City Council has sent up a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Crossley to bring about the competition of a deal to erect about 40 houses for rental in this city.

In this regard, many meetings have been held and although no definite plan has been formulated, it has been thought that the contract will be let to one of a number of contractors who are bidding on the deal.

The location for the proposed new development will probably be in the west hill area, possibly west of 6th Avenue between 9th and 10th streets, in what is known as the Simpson property although there is no definite commitment as yet.

No definite action could be taken until a firm offer and price is made by a tendering contractor at which time the local Housing Committee can approach senior governments. The main worry of the Committee is the fact that there is considerable concern by members of the Committee that the estimated rental of these individual type houses will result in approximate rents of $55.00 and $60.00 per month. The Committee feels that there are few average workingmen in the City who can afford such rentals and that the plan would defeat itself in this regard.

It can be stated at this time from authoritative sources that estimates will be submitted by the City of Owen Sound to senior governments to build a low rental apartment project which is hoped would rent in the neighbourhood of $40.00 $45.00 and $50.00 a month – which would be more within the price field of the average Owen Sound family.

However, no time is being wasted to let the contract at the earliest possible moment so the contractor can get his supplies and material ready for an early start in the Spring.