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In 2007, Metro Vancouver prepared its first Regional Affordable Housing Strategy. The three goals of the Affordable Housing Strategy were to increase the supply and diversity of modest cost housing, eliminate homelessness across the region, and meet the needs of low-income renters.

This work provided a foundation for municipalities to introduce various tools and policies that address housing supply, diversity, and affordability. The Affordable Housing Strategy also provided direction for Metro Vancouver’s policy research, information dissemination, advocacy, and hosting events with member municipalities.

Seven years later, Metro Vancouver initiated an update of the Affordable Housing Strategy with three new priorities:

  • Maintain a focus on the purpose-built rental housing supply;
  • Create stronger links with Metro 2040’s land use goals, focusing housing along the frequent transit network; and,
  • Expand the role for Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation with increasing the supply of mixed income housing.

CitySpaces was engaged at the early stages of the Affordable Housing Strategy Update to lead, manage, and implement a consultation plan with regional stakeholders, ranging from non-profit housing societies, developers, financial institutions, TransLink and municipalities. Two large workshops were held, focusing on key components of the proposed goals and directions of the Affordable Housing Strategy. The workshop participants offered insights and ‘big ideas’ on how to support and create affordable housing in the region given new and emerging challenges such as high land values and the changing nature of how social housing is delivered in the province.

Our team prepared a Consultation Summary Report for Metro Vancouver, which will inform the preparation of the Affordable Housing Strategy. It will also align with the work prepared by CitySpaces as part of Metro Vancouver’s Homelessness Consultation and Strategic Planning report.

PROJECT TEAM:

Noha Sedky     Jada Basi