The Hector, Canmore’s first municipally-owned affordable rental housing, is almost at capacity nearly two years after completion.
But it isn’t all a success story.
The 60-unit project was constructed without outdoor plug-ins for vehicles during the winter months.
When temperatures drop, being unable to plug in a block heater has affected those living in the building over the past two winters.
Canmore Community Housing Corporation (CCHC) managing director Jennifer Bisley said there have been some complaints about the situation.
“There have been some concerns voiced by some of the residents,” Bisley said. “We have been working with the Hector resident’s committee in the meantime to identify options.”
She said CCHC is also working with the municipality to assess options to install plug-ins and how much it will cost.
“Once we know those numbers, then we can look at how the capital expenditure could be funded,” she said.
Councillor John Borrowman has been bringing the issue up at council meetings for several months now.
Also on the board of Canmore Community Housing Corporation, which manages the Hector for the municipality, Borrowman has pointed out two letters have been sent to administration on the issue.
“CCHC is waiting to hear from the town as to what possibilities there are for resolution,” he said.
Manger of planning Gary Buxton said the Town needs to find a source of funds to pay for installation of plug-ins, which could not happen when the ground is frozen.
“If perpetually affordable housing reserves need to be used, that would come back to council,” he said.
How the issue will be addressed will be determined by how it is paid for.
Bisley said additional costs to operate outdoor plug-ins for vehicles is not currently incorporated into the rental model.
The rental model for the Hector is based on rents covering operational and financing charges as well as building reserves for repairs and maintenance.
“We have to look at the rental model and determine if it would be reasonable or realistic that capital and operational costs could be covered by rental revenues,” she said, adding another possibility could be a parking surcharge for those residents that choose to have a plug-in. “We have to look at all the options.”
The Hector’s occupancy currently sits between 92 and 95 per cent, Bisley said which means three to five units are vacant on average at any time.
