Title
Affordable Housing
Recommended Action
Whereas access to affordable housing has become a crisis in the Lower Mainland and beyond;
Whereas a number of agencies and a variety of senior governments have developed policies and strategies to facilitate the delivery of more affordable housing at the municipal level;
Whereas local governments have the relevant jurisdiction and authority to administer policies with respect to the provision of affordable housing initiatives;
Whereas the BC Non Profit Housing Association created a Pledge for 2018 local government candidates further to a comprehensive framework which includes:
1. Contribution of public lands to the community housing sector for new affordable homes;
2. Protection of existing affordable housing supplies through retention and replacement policies;
3. The zoning of existing and new rental developments as a rental only;
4. Streamlining municipal permitting and rezoning processes to fast-track development of affordable rental housing; and
5. Pursuit of partnerships with local non-profits, cooperative and other stakeholders in the community housing sector to create new affordable housing developments; and
Whereas the majority of newly elected Township Councillors showed support for affordable housing by signing the Pledge in order to enhance affordable housing opportunities and options within the Township;
Therefore be it resolved that Council refer these items to staff for a detailed report back on the adoption and implementation of these initiatives, to be delivered at a future CPC meeting.