HOUSING AFFORDABILITY & DIVERSITY

Provide access to stable affordable housing to help citizens and businesses thrive.

How we did in 2022 the highlights

Housing continues to be a critical priority for the District of Squamish as the population continues to grow as a result of increased demand for what Squamish has to offer.

✔ Squamish Community Housing Society (SCHS) and other community partners are being supported by the District through publicly-owned land opportunities and new development commitments to facilitate the creation of publicly-owned affordable housing.

✔ SCHS undertook a strategic planning process and is working to set up operational priorities and functions to enable the Society to pursue affordable housing projects in the near future. SCHS is working to build capacity for potential housing construction.

✔ Update to the Community Amenity Contribution policy progressed to align with current community needs. Scheduled to conclude in Q2 of 2023.

✔ Development Cost Charge Bylaw was updated to align with current community needs.

Strategic Goals

Establish an affordable housing governance structure that will facilitate growth and management of affordable housing stock.

Identify and facilitate securing land required to accommodate affordable housing needs to meet current and future projections.

Ensure that an additional 125 affordable purpose built rental (at or below 80% of market rental rate) units are built by 2022.

Increase the number of affordable housing form options, size, and the number of bedrooms within each form, year over year.

Extend the affordable housing program to provide affordable home ownership options.

✔ Continue to explore creative partnerships on affordable housing supply with partners such as BC Housing, SCHS, Under One Roof, and private developers.

Affordable Rental Housing Gains During the 2018-2022

Council Term:

• 76 purpose-built units constructed (opened spring 2023): Spirit Creek apartments

• 65 units under construction within private developments and secured by the District through Community Amenity Contributions:

• SEAandSKY (Waterfront Landing)55 units

• The Wilfred - 2 units

• Garibaldi Springs (Phase 1) - 8 units

• Squamish Community Housing Society formed, registered and operational to begin managing these units, and seeking new affordable housing project opportunities.