Accessible Design, Tax Credit, and NORCs
This week, what we’ve been reading…
1) Accessible design is growing. But can it be beautiful?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2020/03/30/accessible-design-is-growing-can-it-be-beautiful/
Source: https://fineandable.co.uk/
<Alcina> As a designer, I admit it’s always a challenge to balance function and aesthetics. More and more companies, like UK-based Fine and Able, are stepping up with new solutions!
2) Post-Federal Election: a multigenerational home renovation tax credits on the way?
https://liberal.ca/housing/help-different-generations-of-a-family-live-together/
<Ming> A niche solution to housing affordability is to encourage multi-generational housing where grandparents, parents and children are living under the same roof. The Liberals have said they will introduce a new home renovation tax credit to help families add a secondary unit to their home for an immediate or extended family member. With this proposal, families are able to claim a 15% tax credit for up to $50,000 in renovation costs, which means up to $7,500 in tax savings.
3) Want to avoid living in a seniors’ home? Start planning now to age in place
<Winnie> Compared to what it may cost to move into a retirement home, I’m not surprised that 40% of retired Canadians plan to modify their homes for safety and care-related reasons. CMHC also has an entire section of their website dedicated to tips and strategies for aging in place. Check it out here!
4) Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) in Toronto
UHN OpenLabs: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/uhn.openlab/viz/High-DensitySeniorsBuildingsinToronto/Dashboard1
<Amy> Check out this super-interesting tool featuring clusters of NORCs across Toronto by building type and FSA postal codes. NORCs are residential buildings with at least 30% of residents over the age of 65, and they are naturally occurring and unplanned. A zoom into several clusters illustrates why these zones are attractive to seniors - accessibility, main-floor living, and close to public transit, shopping and services.