APPENDIX E - Summary Homes for People

Summary Homes for People

HOMES FOR PEOPLE: An action plan to meet the challenges of today and deliver more homes for people, faster

“A fast-growing population combined with the effects of the pandemic on the housing market means we have to do more – a lot more – to ensure every person and family in B.C. has a home that they can afford and meets their needs.”

Home for People (p. 4)

Homes for People is built on four priorities that provide a range of potential partnership opportunities that relate directly to the CRD’s approved 2023-2026 Corporate Plan.

PILLAR	NOTES
Unlocking more homes faster	More small scale, multi-unit housing (townhomes, duplexes, and triplexes) Make it easier and more affordable for people to rent out secondary/basement suites – CRD: Part of work related to SGI Housing Strategy & Rural/Remote – Could be expanded to support broader regional efforts. Starting in early 2024, homeowners can access a 5-year forgivable loan up to 50% of the cost of renovations to a max of $40K. CRD may be able to administer these though the Housing Agreement Program. Work with municipalities to make sure more homes are built in communities, faster Speed up permitting and approvals to get homes built faster Become a North American leader in digital permitting Deliver more homes and services near transit – CRD/CRHC: Part of work related to acquisition stream of Housing Priorities & Partnership. Province is targeting 10,000 units at or near transit over 10-15 years. Launch BC Builds – A new program dedicated to delivering homes for middle-income people – CRD/CHRC: Could apply and/or look to increase stock depending on program design/eligibility parameters. Expand B.C.’s construction workforce and spur innovation Explore new ways to get more rentals built – CRD/CRHC: Partnership opportunities under the Housing Priorities & Partnerships. Build more homes with mass timber
Delivering better, more affordable homes	Thousands more social housing units – CRD/CRHC: Can increase activity subject to available funds & capacity. Province working to create 6,000 more subsidized rental home though expanded CHF. Province entered MOU with Metro Vancouver Housing Corp. Deliver 4,000 additional on-campus rooms for post-secondary students End discriminatory age and rental restrictions in stratas Protect affordable rental units through $500 million fund – CRD/CRHC: Look to partner under the acquisition stream of the Housing Priorities & Partnerships work. Create more housing through partnerships with Indigenous communities – CRD/CRHC: Areas of opportunity include RHI though CRD and housing operation support though CRHC. Revitalize co-op housing
Supporting those with the greatest housing need	New income tested renter’s tax credit More homes to support people experiencing homelessness – CRD: Continued support though RHI in partnership with Gov of Canada. CRHD: Efforts to work in support of Complex Care. Province is targeting 240 additional Complex Care beds in 12 locations across BC. New actions to close encampments Partner to redevelop and replace single room occupancy units in DTES Revitalize and expand aging BC Housing properties More Rent Bank support to help tenants in crisis keep their homes – CRD: Continued support though Reaching Home Program.
Creating a housing market for people, not speculators	Implement a “Flipping Tax” Stricter enforcement on short-term rentals Solve renter/landlord disputes faster and get tougher on bad-faith evictions Turn more empty units into homes by expanding the Speculation and Vacancy Tax to additional areas Crack down on criminal activity in real estate Offer more protections for renters displaced by redevelopment – CRHC: Already included within the CRHC policy.