Regional District of Nanaimo Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis

In December 2018, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) engaged CitySpaces Consulting and Vann Struth Consulting to prepare a Regional Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis that will inform the anticipated Regional Growth Strategy update. This project provides a situational analysis of the current housing supply and conditions across the region. While this study was underway prior to the adoption of the Provincial requirements on Housing Needs Reports, efforts were made to incorporate these requirements where possible.

The Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis comprises five parts:

Part 1 – Regional Housing Indicators: This section provides baseline information with regard to housing data, including the current housing mix, housing tenure, rental prices, housing sales prices, household income, and housing vacancy rate. An affordability analysis of what households can afford was also produced as part of this section.

Part 2 – Regional Housing Needs and Gaps Assessment: This section of the Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis reflects on the data research and community input received, and identifies the housing issues and gaps in the region. It also outlines preliminary directions for future planning initiatives.

Appendix A: Technical Report: Summarizes the methodology used for data analysis in the Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis project, specifically related to population and unit projections.

Appendix B: Consultation Summary Report: Insights, perspectives, and comments from the community are summarized in this report.

To assist with the implementation component of the Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis, Emma prepared a supplemental report on funding and financing options available for each priority population group.

To augment the quantitative data, Jada and Julia travelled to the Regional District to convene focus groups and learn from key stakeholders, including local government staff, housing providers, social service organizations, developers and other relevant community members. This input was integral to the Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis and provided important contextual information.

Across the region, several themes emerged through the course of analysis. The Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis demonstrates housing affordability and suitability is challenging for many households in the RDN. With rising rental and homeownership prices, and limited rental vacancies, low-income households are struggling to secure affordable, and suitable rental accommodation. With low rental vacancy rates, there is limited availability, and cost barriers prevent low-income households from accessing suitable accommodation.

While the RDN will not be able to address all the housing gaps identified in this Housing Capacity and Gap Analysis on its own, targeted efforts to fill gaps, informed by research to maximize impact, could have a significant impact in addressing the housing needs of RDN residents. The RDN has achieved significant progress with the implementation of the current Regional Housing Action Plan (adopted 2010); however, additional tools and a combination of approaches are needed to keep pace with the changing housing needs in the region.