Whereas non-market housing is in critical need throughout the province, and the provision of such housing is currently severely challenged by supply conditions, lack of adequate funding, and lack of capacity by local governments to support the provision and management of such housing; And whereas some municipalities and regional districts in British Columbia have created entities, such as housing authorities, which successfully increase the supply of non-market housing by providing and managing such housing, the process of planning and then creating these entities involves significant staff time and other costs: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the Province of BC to provide grant funding for municipalities and regional districts to plan and create entities that provide and manage non-market housing in their communities.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province recognizes the important role of local government housing authorities in addressing the housing crisis in BC Housing authorities can be a valuable tool for local governments that have assets to invest in affordable housing, as well as a desire and the institutional capacity to develop, own, operate, manage, and maintain affordable housing. An alternative to a standalone local government housing authority is to partner with BC Housing on subsidized affordable housing. Local governments can do this in a variety of ways. This can include identifying potential sites, providing city-owned land, and waiving development cost charges to support the construction of new housing in the community. It can also include supporting and fast-tracking housing projects through the development and permitting approval process. Communities might also consider reaching out to partners and stakeholders in the community to encourage and support housing projects or connecting with BC Housing to discuss ideas and opportunities. In 2023, the Province created the BC Builds program. BC Builds works in partnership with local governments, non-profit groups and First Nations to identify available or underused land, provide low-interest repayable loans and funding, and deliver projects that create more homes and help bring costs more in line with what households with middle-incomes earn. While BC Builds does not provide grant funding to establish non-profit housing operators, it does work in partnership with municipalities and regional districts interested in establishing one for a BC Builds project. All BC Builds units have a target of households with middle-incomes spending no more than approximately 30 percent of their income on rent. In addition, a minimum of 20 percent of all BC Builds homes where grants are provided will have rents at least 20 percent below market rate. Currently, under this program, approximately 1,400 homes are underway, with nearly 2,500 more in various stages of early development and many more planned.