In 2010, CitySpaces prepared a Housing Needs Report and an Affordable Housing Strategy as part of the Housing Needs Study conducted for the City of Nelson. Our team was also retained in 2014 to update the 2010 Housing Needs Report and Affordable Housing Strategy Report.
Nelson and surrounding area have experienced an affordability challenge similar to other desirable communities in BC, where the increase in housing prices has outpaced wage increases. The abundance of outdoor amenities, friendly community character and availability of lower cost housing have attracted many people to the area. This in-migration — by near retirees and retirees, recreational homeowners, as well as households relocating from less affordable centres such as Metro Vancouver — has been the primary influence on housing demand.
This level of demand in recent years has put considerable pressure on both the rental and ownership markets, making it increasingly difficult for “original” residents of Nelson to find housing that is appropriate and attainable.
The 2010 Affordable Housing Needs Report and Strategy addresses homeownership and rental housing, non-market and market housing using a variety of measures. In view of the broad focus and multiple directions of the Strategy, a multi-pronged approach was recommended. In addition, CitySpaces provided a timeline that outlined the strategic directions through the short, medium, and long-term.
In turn, the City of Nelson achieved many positive outcomes following the 2010 Strategies report, including:
- Updating the Official Community Plan with housing policies;
- Introducing a suite ready policy;
- Drafting an infill housing policy, including the provisions for coach homes;
- Exploring a density bonus policy; and,
- Creating a housing reserve fund.
The 2014 Affordable Housing Needs Report and Strategy Update identified new and emerging groups with the least choice in the housing market, including at-risk youth and young adults, people with disabilities, people with mental health and addictions issues, and people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Twenty new strategies were recommended as part of the update, including:
- Update Nelson’s Heritage Strategy with the provision of offering Heritage Revitalization Agreements and multi-unit conversions;
- Adopt a Standards of Maintenance Bylaw;
- Adopt a Family-Friendly Housing Policy;
- Prepare an Accessible Housing Bylaw; and,
- Prepare a Discharge Planning Policy for at-risk residents leaving hospitals/detainment facilities.
A special thanks is extended to the members of the City of Nelson’s Housing Forum and the Nelson Housing Committee!
PROJECT TEAM: