“It became very aware that older adults who were looking to move or to downsize didn’t have appropriate places to downsize to, so this housing stock issue for us has been a very major issue. People who wanted to stay within the community and perhaps not own that three-bedroom, four-bedroom home because they were down to two people living, didn’t have an appropriate place to go,” she explains. “We want to make sure that residents who grow up and spend their whole life in Smithville have an ability to retire in the community as well. Housing needs shift, of course, as one grows older and life conditions change. So that’s an important, exciting project,” McBride adds. Collaborative planning with regional and provincial partners has been essential. “We worked with our planners and our engineers worked in conjunction with the regional staff, and with private contractors and consultants,” Ganann states, describing the comprehensive approach to urban boundary expansion. This coordination proved challenging at times, with Ganann recalling: “We actually for the first time saw the minister herself in January at ROMA, I felt like our message was finally heard. She was very receptive to the fact that we could be a small rural municipality in spite of being in the Niagara region, because we are very unique in that way.” The infrastructure and housing initiatives reflect West Lincoln’s measured approach. As McBride emphasizes, “we’re looking at growth and the fact 154 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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