Project Overview
On behalf of the Southern Gulf Islands Housing Coalition, the Southern Gulf Islands Tourism Partnership Society (SGITPS) applied for funding under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Supply Challenge to develop an innovative solution to address the housing crisis in the region. The Stage 1 proposal outlined a solution that would involve the creation of pre-development tools and a dedicated navigator role to facilitate construction of affordable rental housing for local island residents and workers.
The application was successful, providing SGITPS with funding to prototype the proposed solution through Stage 2 of the Housing Supply Challenge. With funding secured, CitySpaces was engaged to complete engagement with interested and affected parties across the Southern Gulf Islands.
Key Highlights
To define the scope of the proposed service, CitySpaces engaged with government representatives, First Nations, local builders and developers, housing advocates, and other residents of the Southern Gulf Islands to better understand the challenges involved in creating new housing.
The key findings informed refinements to the proposed Housing Navigation Service, supporting the development of a comprehensive Southern Gulf Islands Housing Entity. This dedicated non-profit housing centre would assist applicants through the development approvals process while also offering research, education, capacity-building, and advocacy services.
Although the Phase 2 funding application was unsuccessful, the project helped strengthen relationships among government officials and housing advocates throughout the Southern Gulf Islands.
Areas of Expertise
Housing + Homelessness Strategy
Facilitation + Engagement
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