For Immediate Release: November 28, 2019
City of Salmon Arm Housing Task Force invites residents to share ideas for the future of housing in Salmon Arm.
Salmon Arm, BC –
Over the past two years, the Government of British Columbia has made significant investments across BC in addressing the province’s affordability crisis. This includes recent investments in affordable housing in Salmon Arm. This is part of the Province’s 30-point housing plan launched in 2018. See: http://bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2018/homesbc/2018_Homes_For_BC.pdf
The City of Salmon Arm is invested in growing the supply of housing to support all residents in the community. As a result, the City formed a Housing Task Force with a key mandate to help better understand the various influences in the housing market and guide the development of a Housing Strategy to support local government action in addressing housing challenges in the community.
Key areas of opportunity identified for City involvement in the Housing Strategy engagements so far, include:
- Considering density and diversity that fits with the character of the community;
- Addressing rental housing needs;
- Addressing non-market housing needs;
- Supporting homelessness initiatives; and
- Partnerships, engagement, and communication.
On Thursday December 5th, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm at City Hall, the City invites residents to participate in an open house on the development of the Housing Strategy that will include a discussion and information gathering opportunity on:
- why a diverse housing supply matters in communities;
- what the data tells us about people in the community and the types of housing they need; and
- how might we create new housing across the community to support all residents.
“We recognize this is a busy time of year for our community with the holiday season upon us, however, as you give generously to our community organizations supporting our neighbours, family and friends in need this is a good opportunity to show your support and provide input into how a diverse housing supply can help provide equal opportunity for all residents to have an affordable roof over their head.” – Mayor Harrison
The Open House will run for two hours and is designed with a 15-minute presentation at 6:45pm, followed by a walk-around format where you can connect with City staff, members of the Housing Task Force, and the consultants supporting the work. A Housing-at-a-Glance document has been prepared to support community insights and can be found on the City’s website:
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Media Contact:
Kevin Pearson
Director of Development Services