The economic situation in Northwestern British Columbia improved considerably between 2010 and 2014 as new major industrial projects proposed – hydro, transmission lines, pipelines, LNG facilities, mines, and container ports. Some projects are underway, and some await approvals and final investment decisions. These initiatives have been a major driver of new development activity in the region. In Kitimat, there has been renewed interest in commercial and residential development, with a number of applications in process.
Resource and industry development has also impacted the affordability of Kitimat’s housing market, a community that was near 40% rental vacancy down to nearly 0%. If major industrial proposals do proceed, the housing market could deteriorate even further as more people relocate or return to Kitimat, which would further increase home prices and rents.
In response to the changes, Northern Development Initiatives Trust (NDIT) initiated the preparation of the Kitimat Housing Action Plan, concurrent to the preparation of other Housing Action Plans in the region (Terrace, Prince Rupert, and Port Edward). The development of these plans were guided by a Steering Committee comprised of senior staff of the respective municipalities, BC Housing, and the Housing Policy Branch.
As part of the Kitimat Housing Action Plan, CitySpaces undertook extensive consultation with stakeholders, municipalities, builders and realtors. Housing indicators were researched an analyzed, and housing needs and gaps were identified specific to the context of “low growth”, “moderate growth”, and “high growth” scenarios. Three deliverables were produced: evidence based housing report, stakeholder consultation report, and the Kitimat Housing Action Plan.
Eighteen recommendations were prepared for the Kitimat Housing Action Plan. Responsibility for implementation was outlined for the municipality,, the Province, agencies, and community-based organizations. The Kitimat Housing Action Plan recommendations included acquiring and renovating a building(s) for second stage housing for women, funding for outreach workers, establishing a community-based rent bank, and planning for potential mobile home park redevelopment.
PROJECT TEAM:
Linda Allen Jada Basi Joanna Gauld