The City of New Westminster Affordable Housing Strategy prepared by CitySpaces was adopted on February 8, 2010.
The 2010 New Westminster Affordable Housing Strategy takes its launching point from the 1996 Housing Strategy, and the 2006 Homelessness Action Strategy. Much had taken place both locally and regionally over the past 13 years, and it was appropriate to update the Strategy. At the end of 2009 many New Westminster residents were challenged by the costs of housing and the ability to find housing that was suitable for their needs.
From the Strategy The City is currently working towards the vision of being an inclusive city where all residents live in safe, appropriate and affordable housing and where there are housing choices for people of all ages and abilities.
The 2010 New Westminster Affordable Housing Strategy contains nine strategic directions that will help the City promote housing affordability to meet the full range of incomes and needs in the City.
- Provide a clear policy and vision for affordable housing.
- Limit the loss of existing affordable rental housing.
- Facilitate community partnerships.
- Continue to facilitate the legalization and implementation of secondary suites.
- Use financial tools and incentives.
- Support the development of a mix of housing products.
- Support appropriate infill and intensification.
- Build capacity through dissemination of information.
- Review plan and monitor achievements regularly.
The Strategy is the outcome of:
- Analysis of key statistics, comparing New Westminster with benchmark municipalities and Metro Vancouver as-a-whole;
- Review of New Westminster’s policy and planning documents including the 1996 Housing Strategy, and subsequent implementation activities;
- Examination of BC’s legislative tools, and regionally relevant best practices in affordable housing;
- Key informant interviews, focus groups, and staff discussions to identify top issues, gaps, and citywide priorities;
- Meetings with a 14-member Affordable Housing Task Group and mid-project presentation to Council; and
- Public open house and presentation in January 2009.
PROJECT TEAM: