Tag Archives: Vancouver Island Housing

Housing, Poverty

‘Staggering’ number of first-time users during holidays, says Salvation Army

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Vancouver Island, BC – This past holiday season saw what seemed like endless snow filling communities throughout Vancouver Island. As the snow fell, the social services sectors worked hard through the month tending to weather and holiday needs of vulnerable people. 

Among some services that were needed was the Salvation Army’s emergency weather response program, which provides extra mats in shelters to meet the demands of unhoused folks.

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Housing, Indigenous Nations

Citaapi Mahtii signs the deed for affordable housing development

By Alexandra Mehl, Ha-Shilth-Sa, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Port Alberni, BC – On Tuesday, Nov. 29, Gina Amos, Wally Samuel, George Frank, and Ed Ross met with Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions. They came together for the signing of the deed to the former Cedarwood Elementary School, where they plan to build an affordable housing complex for Ahousaht members living in Port Alberni.

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Housing

Tiny home resolution endorsed at UBCM

By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Gabriola Sounder, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Union of BC Municipalities’ membership endorsed a resolution calling for changes to the BC Building Code to allow for tiny homes as permanent dwellings.

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Housing

Low income prevalence dropping on Gabriola

Editor’s note: This appears to be another example of high living costs driving away working age families. Gabriola is becoming an island for seniors and tourists.

By Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Gabriola Sounder, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

More people on Gabriola appear to have higher incomes, according Statistics Canada data.

The prevalence of low-income dropped between the 2020 and 2016 censuses. In 2015, 24.9 per cent of people in the Gabriola Local Trust Area were considered low income while in 2020, that was reduced to 17.8 per cent.

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