Robyn Mawhinney identified housing as the #1 issue in this upcoming October 15 election.
“There are already two levels of government, federal and provincial, which are working on housing. I’m not sure that we can ever completely solve it, but it’s really important that we tackle it and there’s many small shifts that could happen,” explained the candidate for Regional Director in Area C.
Continue reading Mawhinney identifies housing as the #1 issue in Area CThe Electoral Areas Housing Needs Report identified an immediate demand for 75 rental and 40 retail units on Cortes Island.
In a previous interview, Mark Vonesch from the Cortes Community Housing Society, said, “I hear stories of people having to quit their jobs because they can’t find housing for the summer. I know people that are living under a tarp. I know seniors that are living in a tent.”
Continue reading Mark Vonesch 6: Housing, The number one issue in this election
By Melissa Renwick, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tofino, BC – Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is calling upon regional leaders on Vancouver Island’s west coast to come together to tackle the issue of affordable housing in the region.
One consequence of the housing crisis is that Tla-o-qui-aht members have lost the ability to return to live in their homelands, read a release issued by Tla-o-qui-aht’s ha’wiih (hereditary chiefs) and elected council on July 4.
Continue reading Tla-o-qui-aht calls on regional leaders to address west coast housing crisis
Sandy MacKay, of M’akola Development Services, presented the Electoral Areas Housing needs Report to the SRD Board on Wednesday.
See: Rural Housing Survey 1: unaffordable rents, vacant houses, Airbnbs
“Collectively working with federal provincial entities and advocating for more non-market housing, will be key to reducing the gap between what people can afford and what is available in your markets. Non-market housing tends to be dedicated, affordable, and appropriate. It usually takes on the form of something called secured affordable housing, which is secured at an affordable rate in perpetuity, typically funded by senior government and operated by a non-profit,” he explained.
Continue reading Rural Housing Survey 3: The key to addressing rural housing needs
Forty-five percent (45%) of the respondents renting homes in rural areas say they pay more than they can afford, according to the SRD Electoral Areas Housing Needs Report.
Statistics from the 2016 census support this. 41% of renters and 9% of home owners in the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) paid more than 30% of their income on accommodation.
“This survey sheds light on an issue that is kind of hidden. People that are living in unstable housing aren’t necessarily telling everyone about it because it can be embarrassing. ‘I can’t afford the right housing,’ or ‘I’m living in an overcrowded place,’ or ‘I’m having to choose between good food or paying my rent,’” said Mark Vonesch from the Cortes Community Housing Society, one of the key stakeholders in this study.
Continue reading Rural Housing Survey 1: unaffordable rents, vacant houses, Airbnbs
