About the Housing Needs Assessment
The Housing Needs Assessment is a detailed research report that helps the City of Wrenford, other levels of government, and non-profit housing providers understand the need for affordable housing in our community. It identifies current gaps in the housing market and outlines future requirements so we can plan effectively for all residents.
2025 Housing Needs Assessment
The latest report, published in 2025, shows that housing affordability is a growing challenge for residents across all twenty neighbourhoods. The findings highlight that the current market is affecting people who want to buy or rent a home, as well as those who rely on affordable housing supports. Based on recent market data, the median cost to buy a detached home has increased significantly over the last three years. To adequately afford a median detached home in 2025, an annual household income of $162,000 is required. For a median apartment, an annual income of $78,500 is needed. For those looking to rent, an annual income of $89,000 is required to cover average market rent without spending more than 30 per cent of their pre-tax income.
The City defines a household as needing affordable housing when it earns less than 65 per cent of the local median income and spends more than 30 per cent of that income on housing costs. Under this definition, approximately 9,200 households in Wrenford are in housing need. This represents nearly one in five households in the city.
- 78 per cent of households in housing need are single or two-person households.
- 61 per cent experience difficulties or long-term challenges with affordability.
- 72 per cent are working-age adults.
- 21 per cent are seniors.
- 9 per cent are youth.
Purpose and methodology
The Housing Needs Assessment identifies present and future affordable housing requirements across Wrenford. The City publishes this report every five years to help shape housing policies, guide development applications, and inform partnerships with housing providers. The assessment also supports funding applications to the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada under federal infrastructure programs.
The report uses quantitative data from the Federal Census, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the City of Wrenford's Corporate Economics division. To provide a complete picture of housing need, the assessment also includes qualitative data from affordable housing providers, operators, and community organizations that assist with housing placements. Staff analyze this information to recommend zoning changes, infrastructure upgrades, and community grant programmes.
How the City is using the data
You can also review the housing strategy documents to see how these findings are being put into action. The assessment directly informs the City's Official Plan, the Zoning By-law, and the annual budget. It helps the City Manager's office and the Planning and Development department prioritize land acquisition, secure provincial funding, and work with developers to create more diverse housing options. The data also guides the City's outreach to non-profit housing partners to ensure new units match the needs of our most vulnerable residents.
Access the full report
You can download the full 2025 Housing Needs Assessment report below. The report includes detailed neighbourhood breakdowns, demographic profiles, and recommended policy actions for the next five years.
If you have questions about the data or how the City is using the findings, please contact the Planning and Development department at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100.