Over 1,000 New Housing Units Needed in West Nipissing

Recent DNSSAB study highlights local housing crisis.

The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) has recently released an in-depth study that sheds light on the future housing needs across the region. The study, conducted in late 2024, highlights the lack of housing specifically in West Nipissing.

According to the district-wide analysis, there is a need for 1,069 new housing units in West Nipissing alone to keep pace with the projected demand over the next ten years (over 100 new units per year). This figure is part of a larger district requirement for over 6,000 units, underscoring the severity of the situation across the region. Compared to the other small communities in the district, West Nipissing disproportionately has the highest need.

*The full study can be read in the December 18th DNSSAB Agenda package beginning on page 41.

These estimates are based on West Nipissing only seeing very modest growth with a projected 2035 population of 15,121 (from 14,580 in 2021). This underscores the fact that the city already has a serious housing shortfall. If the community were to grow beyond these figures, much more housing would be needed.

Additionally the region is struggling with the high cost of repairs for existing social housing units, which require significant investments to maintain habitability. DNSSAB noted recently that more than $4.2 million is needed in repairs to social housing in the region. They highlighted one project: a new roof needed for a building in West Nipissing.

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