Project Summary N-040: Housing needs assessment report update
Legislated requirement to update housing needs reports every five years.
Project Summary
Priority: Required Public Engagement: Consult Project Name: Housing needs assessment report update Reference Number: 1-2-05100-615 CC510-23 Submitted by: Leanne Taylor, Director of Development Services
Executive Summary
In 2020, the Town completed its first Housing Needs Assessment Report. Under the new Bill 44 – 2023 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023, all local governments must update Housing Needs Reports to include a more consistent, robust understanding of both local housing needs over the next 5 and 20 years. Council received an interim Housing Needs Report on September 3, 2024. The next regular Housing Needs Report must be completed and submitted to the Province by December 31, 2028, in accordance with Bill 44.
Business problem and opportunity
Recent changes to the Local Government Act (LGA) place greater emphasis on determining future housing needs. Under the new legislative requirements, the Town is required to collect data, analyze trends and present reports that describe current and anticipated housing needs in the community. Housing Needs Reports can help identify existing and projected gaps in housing supply by collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative information about local demographics, economics, housing stock, and other factors.
Proposed project objectives
Complete a Housing Needs Report by December 31, 2028, in accordance with Bill 44.
Business risks
Failure to update the Housing Needs Assessment Report means that the Town would be non-compliant with the LGA requirements and may not be eligible for future funding opportunities.
Proposed funding
Casino revenue 1-1-00557-866
Costs and benefits
| Costs | FY1 | FY2 | FY3 | FY4 | FY5 | 5-year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital | 0 | |||||
| Operational | 0 | 0 | 25,000 | 0 | 0 | 25,000 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 25,000 | 0 | 0 | 25,000 |
| Benefits | |
|---|---|
| Tangible | To meet legislative requirements |
| Intangible | Community awareness and buy-in for decision-making about housing |
Recommendation
THAT the Committee recommend the 2026-2030 Financial Plan include an update to the Housing needs assessment report update in 2028 to be funded by Casino revenue.
Additional Information
Link to the Town’s Housing Needs Assessment Report: [Housing Needs Assessment Report & Interim Housing Needs Report](Housing Needs Assessment Report & Interim Housing Needs Report)
Links to more information on Bill 44 – Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2023:
Local government housing initiatives - Province of British Columbia https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/local-governments-and-housing/housing-initiatives#reports-plans-bylaws
Bill 44 - Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023, 4th Session, 42nd Parliament (2023) (leg.bc.ca) https://www.leg.bc.ca/content/data-ldp/Pages/42nd4th/1st_read/PDF/gov44-1.pdf