2024

Whereas encouraging unoccupied residential properties to become available for long-term occupancy represents an opportunity to increase the availability of housing in our communities; And whereas revenue collected from the Speculation and Vacancy Tax is directed into the Housing Priority Initiatives Special Account where BC Housing is the primary recipient of the funds rather than local governments: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call upon the Province of British Columbia to permit local governments to receive a portion of the funds collected through the Housing Priority Initiatives S

Whereas the Province has acknowledged that there is a housing crisis affecting communities across all of British Columbia and has chosen to take unprecedented action to address this challenge by looking for opportunities and taking action to deliver long-term housing supply; And whereas large infrastructure projects mandated or approved by the Province put immense pressure on available housing rental and ownership stock, and tourism infrastructure by requiring a significant number of temporary workers without appropriate workforce housing plans as a requirement of project approval; There

Whereas the Extreme Weather Response EWR shelter system was developed more than a decade ago to support community organizations in providing life-saving warm, safe places for unhoused community members to sleep in cold and wet weather, the EWR model does not provide any funding for facility rental costs, security, equipment or resource purchases, nor does it provide any funds for these community organizations to plan for, develop, and deliver EWR shelters in their communities; And whereas since the EWR program was developed the number of community members experiencing homelessness has grow

Whereas the BC 2023 Homeless Point-in-Time count recorded the largest measured increase of individuals experiencing homelessness since 2005 Metro Vancouver Regional District and Fraser Valley Regional District; with individuals experiencing homelessness for longer periods of time, and with more individuals in unsheltered environments due to insufficient permanent, temporary shelter or emergency beds throughout the regions; And whereas the provincial government, having outlined the strategic plan Belonging in BC: A collaborative plan to prevent and reduce homelessness,has invested over 2 bi

Whereas local governments across British Columbia continue to collaborate with provincial authorities in addressing homelessness and housing challenges, recognizing the Provinces responsibility for housing, healthcare, and encampments; And whereas initiatives led by the Province through various programs aim to provide housing solutions and support services for unhoused individuals, requiring close coordination between provincial and local government agencies; And whereas local governments acknowledge the complexities of responding to homelessness and the critical role of the Province in p

Whereas the current parameters of the Rental Protection Fund only provides funding for the purchase of rental buildings that have a minimum of 5 units and 4 in rural Fund communities; And whereas many small rural and remote communities do not have properties that are for sale with a minimum of 4 units; Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM urge the provincial government to expand the Rental Protection Fund to allow for the purchase of individual units in communities that are less than 5,000 in population classified as remote or very remote.

Whereas the Province of British Columbias Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters SAFER program is intended to help make rents affordable for BC seniors with low to moderate incomes; And whereas the Office of the Seniors Advocate has identified that the BC Housing Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters SAFER and Seniors Subsidized Housing programs are not keeping pace with inflation, the growing seniors population, and changing market conditions, including a notable lack of culturally appropriate supports and inclusive care environments for 2SLGBTQ residents: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on t

Whereas seniors, in the increasing demographic of those over 65, in rural BC have limited range of options for housing; And whereas rural BC local municipalities have limited financial resources to support seniors housing options that allow seniors to age in place in their home community due to financial, social, health and housing vulnerabilities experienced by this increasing demographic: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request the provincial government to provide BC Housing with additional funding and support to facilitate new affordable seniors housing in rural areas.

Whereas there is a housing crisis throughout BC requiring a range of solutions that address housing affordability issues in large and small communities; And whereas the Provinces Homes for Peoples plan focuses on addressing housing supply issues in larger communities in high growth areas of the province: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province to engage with small and northern communities to identify housing solutions outside of high growth areas.

Whereas local governments are seeing the need for increased housing affordability for vulnerable residents, students, families, and seniors; And whereas there is a need for building a broad spectrum of housing supply and supports in rapidly growing communities such as in the Lower Mainland region: Therefore be it resolved that the UBCM advocates that the Province and federal government work with not-for-profits to further incentivize not-for-profit partnerships and the building of non-market housing, such as below market rentals and co-ops, through financial tools like low interest rate l