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Throughout the Metro Vancouver region, communities are facing challenges related to housing mix and affordability. In its’ Regional Growth Strategy, Metro Vancouver recognizes the affordable housing challenges of communities like Maple Ridge, and has required all member municipalities to prepare a Housing Action Plan to diversify their housing stock and provide affordable housing options.

CitySpaces was engaged as the consultant to prepare a Housing Action Plan for Maple Ridge, comprised of three primary components: researching and analyzing housing indicator data; consulting with the community and stakeholders; and, preparing policy directions and solutions to address housing challenges.

As part of the Housing Action Plan, CitySpaces implemented innovative engagement tools to identify top housing issues in the community and potential solutions to overcome housing challenges. These tools included:

 

    • Pop-Up Surveys: Using iPads, we took our Housing Action Plan survey into the community and asked questions to residents in-person. Several “pop-ups” were held at the grocery store, the mall, recreation centre, seniors centre, coffee shop, and library. The Housing Action Plan survey was also available online.

 

    • Post-It Poster Boards: An interactive public art tool decorated with post-it notes in the shape of a house was largely displayed in several community locations. Hundreds of comments were obtained through this passive engagement tool.

 

    • coMap: an original tool developed by CitySpaces, this online collective mapping tool allowed residents to identify site-specific housing issues and opportunities in Maple Ridge.

 

    • Workshops: We planned and facilitated 3 workshops with the local housing planning table; seniors housing table; and with local buildings, developers and architects.

 

    • Communications Materials: Other materials were created to generate awareness and interest in the Housing Action Plan. These included information handouts, web material, and youth-friendly games (i.e. Housing Action Plan word search).

 

The final Housing Action Plan for Maple Ridge identified 18 strategies, including:

  • Incentivize Medium Density Development
  • Introduce an Adaptable Housing Policy
  • Expand the Garden Suites Program
  • Maintain Rental Housing Standards
  • Minimize the Loss of Existing Rental Housing
  • Expand the Density Bonusing Practice
  • Introduce a Community Amenity Policy for Affordable Housing
  • Establish a Housing Reserve Fund

The Maple Ridge Housing Action Plan also aligns with Metro Vancouver’s Affordable Housing Strategy, which is currently being updated.

PROJECT TEAM:

Noha Sedky    Jada Basi