Whereas communities across BC are in a housing crisis characterized by insufficient housing supply and escalating costs, and a particularly urgent need for more homes in the affordable end of the housing spectrum; And whereas the National Housing Strategy Act has stated that there is a human right to housing, and housing is a key determinant of individual health and well-being and is essential for businesses and communities to thrive: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the BC Government to take urgent action in partnership with all levels of government to dramatically increase the supply of affordable housing with funding for the creation of cooperative and non-market affordable housing.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs The Province acknowledges the urgency of addressing housing affordability and supply. The Homes for People Action Plan was released in 2023 and includes four key priorities that the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs has been working towards unlocking more homes faster; delivering better, more affordable homes; helping those with the greatest housing need; and creating a housing market for people, not speculators. BC works with partners across the housing sector to increase the supply of affordable rental, co-op, and non-market housing. As part of this plan, the Province has committed more than 3.3 billion through the Community Housing Fund to build over 20,000 affordable rental homes for families and seniors by 203132. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes delivered or underway throughout BC through the Community Housing Fund and other provincial housing programs. In addition, the Province has committed 1.7 billion over ten years to build 3,500 homes on and off reserve through the Indigenous Housing Fund. The Province also launched BC Builds in February 2024, which brings together governments, First Nations, non-profit housing providers, and home builders to help more households with middle incomes find a home that fits their needs. This initiative leverages public land, low-cost financing, faster provincial and local government approvals, and innovative tools to develop affordable housing in communities across the province.