There is no question that access to safe, affordable housing is a big challenge for many British Columbians. Addressing this issue continues to be a central focus of the provincial government and it’s not without controversy. It’s an emotional issue because home is a central need for people to establish stability and security in their lives. Where housing is tenuous every other aspect of life is tenuous.
The province has put bold plans into action on both the supply and demand side of the issue. In the 2018 budget they invested $7 billion and as a result they are reporting that there are now 21,000 units in some stage of the development process. 24 of those homes will be on Salt Spring Island.
Challenges that other communities face are magnified on the Southern Gulf Islands and this is especially true for housing. It cannot be separated from community governance, aging and inadequate infrastructure, access to water and many other frustrating factors.
Salt Spring Commons will provide two dozen low-to-moderate income families on the island access to new affordable rental housing. No doubt the need is much greater and extremely diverse, including a growing homelessness issue which also needs solving. However, this week we took an opportunity to acknowledge the decades of work from the Salt Spring Island Community Services which is the non-profit housing provider and which has been central in developing and advancing this project forward.
New housing supply starting to roll-out
The housing issue has been decades in the making. As much as we would like to be able to have instant solutions, we have seen the work of the last 24 months finally start to roll out this summer. Housing is a high priority for both the BC Green and BC NDP caucuses. It’s an important part of our Confidence and Supply relationship.
I’m grateful that the province is investing $2.4 million into this project and I will continue to lean into finding solutions to ensure that the Island communities can remain rich with diversity, accommodating a range of demographics to support the local economic, social and environmental needs.
I raise my hands to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Hon. Selina Robinson for leading this effort. Thank you to the amazing staff and volunteers of the Salt Spring Island Community Services for their ongoing advocacy on the deeply challenging housing and poverty reduction issues facing the community.
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