PAGE 10 WEIDNEISI)AY. APRIL 22, WllTBY FR1E PRESS Affordability study says.... Publie hous And at H&R Block, we're geared up to handle your tax return right up until the last minute. We'tl prepare your return quickly, accurately and at low cost. But why wait? Call us or drop in today. This year be sure. THE INCOME TAX SPECIALISTS H&R BLOCK® OSHAWA WHITBY 15 Bond St. East 122 Dundas St. W. 1343 King St. East PICKERING 924 Sirncoe St. N. 82 Kingston Rd. W. Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Weekdays, 9.5 Sat. Phone 668-3371 Whitby. ONLY 6 DAYS LEFT-. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Also In those locations during their regular hours theeauSears EATON'S ing do The housing committee of the Social Planning Council of Oshawa-Whitby is curren- tly involved in developing a profile of housing affor- dability problems in Oshawa and Whitby. The report, funded by a $1o,000 grant from the federal government, will be published in October in con- junction with a housing con- ference to be held at that time. According to Brian Evans, a local lawyer with the firm of Schilling, Evans in Whit- by and chairperson of the committee, "although our report is not completed par- tly due to the difficulty of ob- es not meet needs taining information several valid inferences can be drawn from the data now assembled." Firstly, it would appear that low-income households namely, households in which the head is under 20 and over 65, one-person households, single parent households and social assistance recipients would have to pay well beyond their means for a rental unit. To cope with this problem, it is presumed many households must be locating in units which are smaller than required or are paying well beyond their means for housing accom- modation. Secondly, since the rental vacancy rate for the City of Oshawa in October 1980 is .8 per cent (3 per cent is con- sidered ideal for 'choice' by the consumer) evidently even those units in poor physical condition can demand unaffordable rents from low income earners. In other words, because there is no choice low income households in Oshawa can- not even turn to "slum" housing for affordable housing. For the Town of Whitby the overall vacancy rate in October 1980 was 8.3 per cent. A close examination of this rate, however, reveals that one bedroom suites were close to full occupancy while nine-tenths of three or more bedroom units remain unoccupied. These units though are located in 100 plus unit high rise towers where the vacancy rate is 14.5 per cent. Families in Whitby who do not wish to raise their children in a high-rise environment would therefore experience similar difficulties to an Oshawa family in finding suitable accommodation. Thirdly, housing costs are making housing ownership inaccessible for many families. According to the Royal Trust survey the average house price in Oshawa in 1980 was $58,500. Based on a 90 per cent first mortgage repaid over 25 years, a required total family income to purchase this home based on 30 per cent of income spent on mor- tgage payments is ap- proximately $26,000. This monthly carrying ratio of 30 per cent does not include second mortgage costs, property taxes and utilities nor repair and maintenance. These additional charges could increase monthly carrying charges for a family with this income level to nearly 50 per cent. The existing stock of publicly-assisted units does not meet the current demand for these units. At the end of December 1980, a total of 118 families and 124 seniors were on the Oshawa Housing Authority waiting list and a total of 23 families and 32 seniors were on the Whitby waiting list. These figures, however, reflect only the need by those who are aware of this kind of housing and therefore is a very limited indication of the real,need which exists. Other reasons why these waiting lists do not truly reflect need are: applicants do not meet the existing public housing criteria; ap- plicants cancel after a lengthy waiting period; prospective applicants do not apply because of a negative image of public housing or of the application procedures; and, applicants are discouraged from ap- plying when lists are too lengthy or their need is lesser than those applicants on the waiting lists. Serious questions are raised by the preliminary data obtained and the present empty condominium problem in Durham. Evans asks, "If there is an affordability problem and a rental vacancy problem, why are there over 2,000 empty townhouse units although for sale not available for rent in Oshawa and Whitby?" These and other questions will be asked and hopefully answered at the forum to be held in Oshawa in October, to which all levels of gover- nment involved in housing will be invited. United Way president At a recent meeting of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Oshawa- Whitby-Newcastle, Altamae Eberlee of Whitby was elec- ted president. Eberlee has been a direc- tor of the United Way since 1970 and has recently served as vice-president. During her term on the board she has served on most committees. She is currently co- chairman of the Mayor's Task Force for the Disabled in Whitby. Other officers elected were first vice-president, Rick Gay, second vice- president, Joe Pegg and treasurer, Jean Pratte. Volunteers needed The Durham Regional Chapter is conducting its annual fund-raising cam- paign in the Durham. Region on May 4 to 9. Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs. The campaign, now in its sixth year nationally, raises funds for research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis and for services to those who have the disease. Multiple sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system af- fecting young adults. Anyone wishing to volun- teer for the campaign may call the Durham Regional Chapter of the MS Society at 579-7727. Sportscar of the year DATSUfN 2807ZX "A TRADITION OF PERFORMANCE" Test Drive Today At