Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on housing needs in the coming months
The District of 100 Mile House and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) have partnered to undertake a South Cariboo Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). This HNA will fulfil obligations under the Province of British Columbia’s new legislation (Housing Needs Report Regulation B.C. Reg. 90/2019) which took effect on April 16, 2019. This legislation requires local governments to collect data, analyze trends and present reports every five years that describe current and anticipated housing needs in their communities.
Following a competitive process, the Calibrate Group (www.calibrate.group) was chosen to assist with this work. This project will include the creation of reporting to fulfil those obligations, address housing challenges specific to our region, and include forecasts and recommendations to inform future housing policy.
“This is the right time to gather the information we need to meet the housing requirements of our area,” notes 100 Mile Mayor Mitch Campsall. “Demand for housing is growing, in 100 Mile House and across the region. The information we gather for this report will help us maximize housing affordability and availability as interest in the South Cariboo grows among potential home buyers.”
The areas to be considered in this HNA include the District of 100 Mile House, CRD Electoral Area G (Lac La Hache/108 Mile Ranch), Electoral Area H (Canim Lake/Forest Grove), and Electoral Area L (Lone Butte/Interlakes).
In addition to research from publicly available data sources such as Census data, BC Stats, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), we will also undertake a process of gathering feedback from the community through consultation with stakeholder groups, public meetings, and an online survey.
“Up-to-date statistics and public feedback help us build strong arguments for funding,” says CRD chair Margo
Wagner. “We know that demand is outpacing supply when it comes to support for housing initiatives. This assessment will provide a better sense of the types of housing most desired by residents of the region and assist to develop effective policies and programs to match the housing needs of the South Cariboo.”
The final report is expected to be completed and published by the end of November 2021. The report will include clear and practical actions that the District of 100 Mile House, the Cariboo Regional District, and key stakeholders can work together on implementing to help address housing issues in a coordinated, proactive, and sustainable manner. Although the report is a requirement under the new provincial legislation, we are excited about the opportunities that will be presented to address our region’s housing challenges.
For more information about the project and to stay up to date with upcoming meetings and surveys, please visit South Cariboo Housing Needs Assessment page.
Media Contacts:
Joanne Doddridge
jdoddridge@100milehouse.com
Director of Economic Development & Planning, District of 100 Mile House
(250) 395-2434
Chris Keam, Manager of Communications
ckeam@cariboord.ca
Cariboo Regional District
250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636