Nov 4, 2013

Housing Committee

REGULAR MEETING

November 22, 2013 1:00 pm

2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.

A G E N D A1 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 November 22, 2013 Regular Meeting Agenda That the Housing Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for November 22, 2013 as circulated.

2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 September 13, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes

That the Housing Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held September 13, 2013 as circulated.

3. DELEGATIONS No items presented. 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

No items presented.

5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF 5.1 Renewal of the Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy Program 2014-2019 – Metro Vancouver’s Role

Designated Speaker: Karen Bickford, Finance Division Manager, Housing That the Housing Committee recommend the GVRD Board approve in principle that Metro Vancouver continue to serve as the ‘Community Entity’ for the region, administering the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (‘HPS’) program for an additional five years from April 2014 to March 2019, and that this approval be given subject to consideration and final review of the HPS contract terms and conditions by the GVRD Board in early 2014.

1 Note: Recommendation is shown under each item, where applicable. This meeting is held in conjunction with and may precede the Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation meeting.

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Housing Committee Regular Agenda November 22, 2013 Agenda Page 1 of 2

5.2 Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Update - Proposed Workplan

Designated Speakers: Margaret Eberle, Senior Housing Planner That the Housing Committee receive the Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Proposed Workplan for information.

5.3 Manager’s Report Designated Speakers: Don Driedger, Acting Director, Housing That the Housing Committee receive the report dated October 29, 2013 titled Manager’s Report for information.

6. INFORMATION ITEMS 6.1 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Letter to Prime Minister October 2013 6.2 Union of BC Municipalities 2013 Annual Convention Resolutions Disposition

6.3 Federation of Canadian Municipalities News Release - Municipal Leaders Launch New Campaign to Fix Canada’s Housing Crunch Oct 29, 2013

7. OTHER BUSINESS No items presented. 8. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING No items presented. 9. ADJOURNMENT/TERMINATION

That the Housing Committee adjourn/conclude its regular meeting of November 22, 2013.

Membership: Wright, Wayne (C) – New Westminster Meggs, Geoff (VC) – Vancouver Bell, Don – North Vancouver City Campbell, Robert – Delta Jang, Kerry - Vancouver

Jordan, Colleen – Burnaby Long, Bob – Langley Township McNulty, Bill – Richmond Nuttall, Gerry – Port Moody

Stewart, Richard - Coquitlam Villeneuve, Judy – Surrey Walton, Richard – North Vancouver District West, Brad - Port Coquitlam

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Housing Committee held on Friday, September 13, 2013 Page 1 of 4

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT HOUSING COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) Housing Committee held at 1:02 p.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 in the 2nd Floor Boardroom, 4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia. PRESENT: Chair, Director Wayne Wright, New Westminster Vice Chair, Director Geoff Meggs, Vancouver Councillor Don Bell, North Vancouver City Director Colleen Jordan, Burnaby Director Bob Long, Langley Township Councillor Bill McNulty, Richmond Councillor Gerry Nuttall, Port Moody Director Richard Stewart, Coquitlam Director Judy Villeneuve, Surrey Director Richard Walton, North Vancouver District ABSENT: Councillor Robert Campbell, Delta Director Kerry Jang, Vancouver Councillor Brad West, Port Coquitlam STAFF: Don Littleford, Manager, Housing, Planning, Policy and Environment Carol Mason, Commissioner/Chief Administrative Officer Klara Kutakova, Assistant to Regional Committees, Board and Information Services, Corporate

Services 1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 September 13, 2013 Regular Meeting Agenda It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Housing Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for September 13, 2013 as circulated.

CARRIED 2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 May 17, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Housing Committee held on Friday, September 13, 2013 Page 2 of 4

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Housing Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held May 17, 2013 as circulated.

CARRIED 3. DELEGATIONS No items presented. 4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

4.1 Housing Matters – Video Presentation

Corin Browne and Patti Fraser, community engaged artists, introduced the Housing Matters Media project, a series of collaborative media works created by a group of 10 young people. The group, established by Ms. Browne and Ms. Fraser, created a series of narratives of youth experience with searching for housing in Lower Mainland and dealing with the lack of affordable, adequate and safe housing. The project aspires to instigate discussion among a broad range of stakeholders on the housing issues. The project was created in partnership with The Housing Justice Research Project at UBC, and was supported by Canada Council for the Arts, the British Columbia Arts Council, the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and Metro Vancouver. The Committee was presented videos titled “We have to figure this out” by Chak Estable and “Nomad”, created by Kim Villagante, portraying how the lack of affordable housing impacted their quality of life, forcing them to move frequently and living in often temporary, unsafe, and/or inadequate housing conditions. Committee members were invited to use and share the videos as they see the need.

4.2 Peter Ladner, HomesNow Initiative - Affordable Home Ownership in Greater Vancouver – Final Report Peter Ladner, HomesNow Initiative, presented the final report titled “The HomesNow Initiative: Affordable Home Ownership in Greater Vancouver”, aimed to secure housing for moderate income households. The initiative was prepared in collaboration with a number of agencies, including Metro Vancouver. The presenter elaborated on the inception of the initiative, the plan and efforts to develop a demonstration project and the reasons for the project conclusion. As the next step, the presenter suggested that the public be engaged by an advocacy group, such as Metro Vancouver Housing Committee, BC Housing, or Ministry of Housing, to create momentum for an affordable home ownership program, including: • Researching best practices in affordable home ownership and the social and

economic impacts of home ownership and the consequences of unaffordable

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Housing Committee held on Friday, September 13, 2013 Page 3 of 4

home ownership over the long term • Building consensus among stakeholders about the value of helping moderate

income households to attain home ownership • Developing the leadership to promote affordable home ownership partnerships • Preparing an affordable home ownership program for moderate income

households that combines provincial and municipal resources in equal amounts, including strengthening the municipal affordable housing toolkit and identifying incentives for municipalities to use and opportunities for pilot home ownership projects.

Discussion ensued and/or comments were made on the following: • Metro Vancouver’s focus on affordable rental housing • affordable home ownership project in Whistler and the potential to use the

project as a model for other municipalities • external factors contributing to home ownership unaffordability • “What Works”, a study, outlining the role that municipalities can play with

respect to the planning and facilitating affordable housing

5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF 5.1 Proposed 2014 Housing Business Plan and Budget

Report dated September 4, 2013, from Don Littleford, Director of Housing, Planning, Policy and Environment, presenting the proposed overall 2014 Housing Business Plan and Budget for consideration by the Housing Committee. Clarification was provided on the following: • The proposed 35% increase of the tenant programs and services • Specifics pertaining to the $1.35 million increase of the development budget

for the Heather Placer Re-Development project Members requested that in future more details be provided on all significant variations to the budget. It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Housing Committee endorse the proposed overall 2014 Housing Business Plan and Budget for consideration at the Metro Board Budget Workshop to be held on October 30, 2013.

CARRIED 5.2 Manager’s Report

Report dated August 21, 2013, from Don Littleford, Director of Housing, Planning, Policy and Environment, informing about the following: • Appointment of a New Federal Minister for affordable housing and

homelessness - Jason Kenney • Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness restructure

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the GVRD Housing Committee held on Friday, September 13, 2013 Page 4 of 4

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Housing Committee receive the report dated August 21, 2013 titled Manager’s Report for information.

CARRIED

6. INFORMATION ITEMS

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Housing Committee receive for information the following items:

6.1 City of New Westminster Secure Rental Housing Policy Final May 13, 2013 6.2 Letter to Honourable Diane Finley, HRSDC Minister regarding Implications of 2013

Federal Budget for Housing and Homelessness Programs in Metro Vancouver 6.3 Correspondence from CHRA - Thanking Mayor Wright for his Contribution at the 2013 Congress

6.4 CHRA May 2013 More Rental Housing for More Affordable Housing: A CHRA Policy Statement

6.5 CHRA Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance re: Federal Pre-Budget Consultations on the 2014 Budget

CARRIED

7. OTHER BUSINESS The Committee was informed about a website www.airbnb.com that offers private accommodation transactions. Concerns were expressed that the enterprise circumvents taxation and other legal requirements. Request of Staff Staff was requested to report back on the airbnb enterprise.

8. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING No items presented. 9. ADJOURNMENT/TERMINATION

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Housing Committee conclude its regular meeting of September 13, 2013.

CARRIED (Time: 2:22 p.m.)

________________________________ ________________________________ Klara Kutakova, Wayne Wright, Chair Assistant to Regional Committees

7838783 FINAL

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To: Housing Committee From: Don Littleford, Director, Housing

Kingsley Okyere, Regional Planner, Homelessness Secretariat Date: October 28, 2013 Meeting Date: November 22, 2013 Subject: Renewal of the Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy Program 2014-2019

- Metro Vancouver’s Role RECOMMENDATION That the Housing Committee recommend the GVRD Board approve submission of an application for Metro Vancouver to continue to serve as the ‘Community Entity’ for the region, administering the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (‘HPS’) program for an additional five years from April 2014 to March 2019, and that this approval be given subject to consideration and final review of the HPS contract terms and conditions by the GVRD Board in early 2014. PURPOSE To advise that Service Canada and the ‘Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness’ (‘RSCH’) have requested that Metro continue in the role of administering the federal program for homelessness in the region for an additional five years, and to seek permission to submit the required application forms that will allow the federal government to provide a draft contract to Metro for detailed review. BACKGROUND Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness (‘RSCH’): The RSCH is comprised of organizations and agencies involved in ending homelessness in the region. Its main function is to decide a range of worthwhile projects and services to fund through a federal program, presently called the ‘Homelessness Partnering Strategy’, or ‘HPS’. About $8.2 million has been provided annually under various federal programs from 2000 to present. A formal RFP process is used to call for support service project proposals, which are evaluated and approved by the RSCH members. Metro Vancouver has provided the ‘Homelessness Secretariat’ almost from the outset, although this role has changed over time. Metro Role, Years 2000 – 2010: From 2000 to 2011, Metro Vancouver first provided meeting space, then acted as the Secretariat to the Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness starting in 2004. Responsibilities included issuing proposal calls and contract awards, working on strategies and community involvement and doing administrative work such as handling correspondence and meeting minutes. Three Metro staff managed these duties with their cost paid for under the HPS program. Metro provided ‘in-kind’ contribution to the program, providing office space and equipment. Once projects were approved, the federal government directly managed the contractors (typically about 30-40 at any time), including disbursing monthly contract progress payments, and ensuring that scope, schedule, budget and other commitments under each contract were fulfilled.

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Metro Role, Years 2011 - present: In April 2011, following a federal program change, Metro Vancouver was asked to serve as the ‘Community Entity’ (‘CE’) for the Metro Vancouver region under a ‘Homelessness Partnering Strategy’ (‘HPS’) funding agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), formerly Human Resources and Skills Development. The GVRD Board agreed to this (Attachment 1) from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2014. Under the agreement, Metro Vancouver receives $8.2 million annually for a variety of projects that serve the homeless and those who are at risk of homelessness and continues to provide the Secretariat function. The significant change in 2011 was that Metro agreed to take on direct management of the contractors as well as continuing in its past role of general secretariat duties. The federal government provides the funds to Metro to cover these costs, and Metro is responsible for ensuring project commitments are fulfilled, completed on schedule, and that contractor invoices are paid. Metro entered into a business services agreement with VanCity Community Foundation (VCF) to provide the oversight and administration of the various projects, and VCF provide the management and staff for this purpose. VCF services are paid for by the federal government under the program. In the last three years, 42 homeless support projects valued at approximately $10.8 million, as well as 14 bricks and mortar projects valued at approximately $6.7 million have been awarded and are in stages of completion. The first year of the 3 year program was a transitional year and not all of the funding was administered by the GVRD. DISCUSSION Program Renewal: In April 2013, the federal government announced a 5-year renewal of the HPS program, from April 2014 to March 31, 2019, with a focus on the Housing First model. The renewed program will provide for the same level of funding of about $8.2 million per year, or approximately $41 million for homeless programs and services over the next 5 years. More than 65% of the monies are to be aimed at moving homeless people from the streets into permanent housing under the Housing First model. Service Canada representatives met with Metro staff in October on the renewal of the program and expressed satisfaction with Metro Vancouver’s management of the program over the past two and a half years. Similarly, the RSCH has passed a resolution requesting Metro Vancouver continue as the community entity for the next five years. Metro would likely continue with VanCity Foundation fulfilling the project management overview role. Service Canada has invited Metro Vancouver to reapply to continue as the community entity for the new five-year program period. With the GVRD Board’s conditional approval requested in this report, staff will provide an application to Service Canada. In turn, Service Canada will respond with a new, draft funding agreement, likely in December or January. This will offer Metro a period of about 1-2 months to consider the proposed terms and conditions of the new Employment and Social Development Canada contract prior to a target date for Housing Committee and Board consideration in early 2014. Metro Vancouver Costs: Metro staff have highlighted to Service Canada the need for the new agreement to continue to cover all direct staffing costs and those of Van City Community Foundation, and to also consider other costs that are incurred in administering the program. Service Canada understands the importance of this and has confirmed that up to 15% of the new program costs will continue to be available for administration. Metro staff met with Service Canada

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to discuss this, and will be proposing a line-by-line budget of what should be covered in the anticipated costs. The results of these discussions, and confirmation that terms in the proposed contract with Employment and Social Development Canada cover this, will form a part of the final report to the Housing Committee in early 2014, including Legal review. ALTERNATIVES

1. That the Board approve in principle that Metro Vancouver continue to serve as the ‘Community Entity’ for the region, administering the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy (‘HPS’) program for an additional five years from April 2014 to March 2019, and that this approval be given subject to review and final approval of the HPS contract terms and conditions by the GVRD Board in early 2014.

2. That the Board decline the invitation that Metro Vancouver continue to serve as the ‘Community Entity’ for the region, administering the federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy program for an additional five years from April 2014 to March 2019, and provide notice of the same to Service Canada.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Based on the terms and conditions, staff recommends that the Board approve Alternative 1. Subject to final confirmation, the 5-year HPS program renewal is funded by the federal government and will include all reasonable Metro Vancouver costs. If the Board chooses Alternative 2, both the federal government and the RSCH agree that it would be difficult to replace Metro Vancouver in this role without undermining the delivery of the program, at least in the short term. This could have multiple implications for local municipalities as they may not have access to federal funds to alleviate homelessness in their communities. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION As the community entity for the Metro Vancouver region over the past two and half years, Metro Vancouver has played a significant role in the delivery of the HPS program. Metro Vancouver has been invited to continue as the Community Entity. Attachment 1 Minutes from May 21, 2010 GVRD Board meeting regarding report titled “Supplementary Report on Proposed Change in the Administration of Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy Funds in Metro Vancouver” 7990364

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD)Board of Directors held on Friday, May 21, 2010 Page 5 of 10

Recommendation: That the Board receive for information the report dated May 12, 2010, titled “Delegations’ Executive Summaries Presented at Committee – May 2010”.

Adopted on Consent

F. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA The items removed from the Consent Agenda were considered in numeric order.

2.1 Supplementary Report on Proposed Change in the Administration of Federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy Funds in Metro Vancouver Report dated May 7, 2010 from the Housing Committee, together with report dated April 23, 2010 from Kingsley Okyere, Coordinator, Homelessness Secretariat, Policy and Planning Department, providing additional information on the proposal by the Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness, as requested by the Housing Committee at its April 16, 2010 meeting.

The Board requested the following changes to the wording of section b) i. of the recommendation: after the phrase “will be incurred” by deleting the word “by”; and by replacing the phrase “from Service Canada in addition” with the phrase

“from Service Canada. In addition”.

Main Motion It was MOVED and SECONDEDThat the Board: a) accept the proposal by the Greater Vancouver Regional Steering

Committee on Homelessness for Metro Vancouver to apply to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada to assume responsibility for managing and administering the annual $8 million federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy fund for the Metro Vancouver region;

b) authorize staff to negotiate with: i. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

for additional financial contribution to offset all or part of the incremental management and administration cost that will be incurred as a result of the transfer of the program administration from Service Canada.

In addition that staff be authorized to enter into negotiations with HRSDC on receiving a proportionate share of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding based on population, along with an automatic inflation adjustment and retroactivity to year 2000; or

ii. one or more partners in the region to deliver the program in order to reduce management and administration cost; and

c) direct staff to report back on the progress of the negotiations within 60 days.

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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD)Board of Directors held on Friday, May 21, 2010 Page 6 of 10

11:15 a.m. Directors Gill and Peary departed the meeting.

11:22 a.m. Director Chow arrived at the meeting.

11:25 a.m. Director Robertson arrived at the meeting.

11:27 a.m. Director Louie arrived at the meeting.

It was proposed that, in order to gain the greatest service efficiencies, other delivery mechanisms also be explored.

Amendment to the Main Motion It was MOVED and SECONDEDThat the Board amend the Main Motion by adding in section b) ii. after the phrase “administration cost” the phrase “and/or provide more effective delivery”.

CARRIED

Question on the Main Motion as Amended Question was called on the Main Motion as amended and it was

CARRIEDDirectors Asmundson, Corrigan, Dhaliwal, Green, Hunt and MacLean

voted in the negative.

The Main Motion as Amended now reads as follows: That the Board: a) accept the proposal by the Greater Vancouver Regional Steering

Committee on Homelessness for Metro Vancouver to apply to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada to assume responsibility for managing and administering the annual $8 million federal Homelessness Partnering Strategy fund for the Metro Vancouver region;

b) authorize staff to negotiate with: i. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

for additional financial contribution to offset all or part of the incremental management and administration cost that will be incurred as a result of the transfer of the program administration from Service Canada.

In addition that staff be authorized to enter into negotiations with HRSDC on receiving a proportionate share of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding based on population, along with an automatic inflation adjustment and retroactivity to year 2000; or

ii. one or more partners in the region to deliver the program in order to reduce management and administration cost and/or provide more effective delivery; and

c) direct staff to report back on the progress of the negotiations within 60 days.

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To: Housing Committee From: Margaret Eberle, Senior Housing Planner, Regional Housing Date: November 7, 2013 Meeting Date: November 22, 2013 Subject: Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Update – Proposed Workplan RECOMMENDATION That the Housing Committee receive the Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Proposed Workplan for information. PURPOSE To advise the Housing Committee of the purpose, process and timeline for updating the 2007 Regional Affordable Housing Strategy. BACKGROUND Metro Vancouver’s role in developing complete communities, as outlined in the Regional Growth Strategy, is to provide diverse and affordable housing choices through pursuing the strategies and actions set out in the Metro Vancouver Affordable Housing Strategy (2007). That Strategy has three goals:

• Increase the supply and diversity of modest cost housing • Eliminate homelessness across the region • Meet the needs of low income renters

The Affordable Housing Strategy was adopted by the Board in November 2007. A Progress Report to the Housing Committee on March 8, 2013 highlighted the key successes and innovations throughout the region since then. Municipalities are employing various tools, including increased density and density bonuses, parking reductions, secondary suites and new forms of housing, DCC waivers and other measures to handle the growth in housing demand. In particular, municipalities have focused on much needed rental housing. Local government has emphasized the importance of preserving and creating more ‘purpose-built’ rental housing through various incentives and policies. Metro Vancouver documented these tools in “What Works: Affordable Housing Initiatives in Metro Vancouver Municipalities”. It highlights twelve local housing projects and programs that illustrate “what works” to create mixed income housing. Finally, the Rental Housing Supply Coalition has laid the foundation for a national crusade by advocating for taxation policy and other changes at the provincial and federal government level that recognize the need to build new, affordable rental housing.

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DISCUSSION Updating the Regional Affordable Housing Strategy is a key initiative moving into 2014, and an opportunity to build on the successes to date. However, importantly, we need to challenge the approach and ‘step the game up’ to provide affordable housing to a region that is growing at a rate of over 40,000 people, or about 16,000 new households per year. About a third of new households will need rental accommodation, and secure and affordable rental availability is a high priority. Metro has the key role to pull together stakeholders that include all three levels of government, the housing industry and non-profit organizations to revitalize the existing RAHS. Key stakeholders include the Regional Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC), municipalities, housing industry stakeholders such as developers and non-profit groups, and other key agencies such as Translink, health authorities, immigrant and Aboriginal organizations. Activities will include re-assessing housing issues within the region in light of changing patterns in demographics, the economy, land availability, transportation and public expectations. The new RAHS will establish an updated list of realistic and achievable goals, set priorities, and determine actions to make a meaningful difference in affordable housing supply across the region. A critical discussion will centre on how municipalities may collaborate with Metro through the MVHC to leverage resources and produce more secure, affordable rental housing. For example, contributions from municipalities might enable the construction of affordable housing at a scale and at desirable transit-oriented locations that might otherwise not be possible. Initial feedback from the Regional Planning Advisory Committee (‘RPAC’) Housing Sub-Committee, which includes the municipal planners, indicates this is a valuable discussion. Other models to create larger scale rental housing development or re-development will also be examined. Proposed Workplan Attachment 1 presents an overview of the proposed process and a detailed description of the workplan. It consists of two phases: Phase 1 - Issues and Options consists of:

• Initiating and scoping • Developing the goals • Identifying issues and options, and • Stakeholder consultation.

Phase 2- Developing the Strategy consists of:

• Drafting the strategy • Stakeholder consultation • Revising and finalizing the strategy, and • Municipal and Board adoption.

The Housing Committee will be consulted at key points in the work program following other stakeholder discussion, feedback and strategy formulation. The RPAC Housing Subcommittee, comprised of municipal housing planners, will play a key technical role throughout the update process and is a critical resource in shaping the eventual strategy.

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It is expected that the process to update the Strategy will extend over 18-24 months beginning in fall 2013, with Board adoption in summer/fall 2015. The above proposed approach workplan was considered by the RPAC Housing Subcommittee at its meeting Sept 26, 2013 and is scheduled for review by the Regional Planning Advisory Committee (RPAC) at its next meeting. ALTERNATIVES This is an information report. No alternatives are presented. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There is a direct link between housing and the regional economy. Metro Vancouver municipalities understand that ensuring a range of housing types for different incomes leads to a productive workforce, job growth and a stable social and community structure. The new Regional Affordable Housing Strategy is an important document to coalesce ideas and actions to meet this challenge in a region that is considered one of the most expensive in North America. SUMMARY / CONCLUSION The workplan for updating the Regional Affordable Housing Strategy has been prepared to guide the housing policy work program for 2013 and 2014. The updated Strategy will reflect the Regional Growth Strategy, identify shared municipal goals around housing and address current housing issues by providing direction on measures to create diverse and affordable housing choices. Attachment Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Update – Proposed Process and Timeline Draft August 2013 References: Metro Vancouver Regional Affordable Housing Strategy 2007 7954824

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1

Regional Affordable Housing Strategy Update

Proposed Process and Timeline

DRAFT Aug 2013

Overview

Fall 2013

Fall 2013

Winter/Spring 2014

Winter 2015

Spring 2015

Summer/Fall 2015

Phase 1 – Issues and Options Phase 2 – Develop the Strategy

5.2 ATTACHMENT

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2

Detailed Process and Timeline

Phase 1: Issues and Options

Task Output Who does it? Complete

To committee

Review progress on RAHS 2007

Progress report Staff Spring 2013 RPAC HSC, RPAC, and Housing Committee (done)

Develop overall work program

ToR for Update Staff Summer 2013

RPAC HSC Sept 26, RPAC Oct 18

Establish Advisory Committee - optional

A sub-committee of RPAC HSC or just RPAC HSC

Staff Fall 2013 RPAC HSC Sept 26

Establish 2014 Draft RAHS Goals and preliminary issues and options

Draft goals for discussion, Working session with RPAC Hsg on Issues and Options

Staff /Adv Cte

Oct 2013 RPAC HSC Oct 31, RPAC Nov 8, Housing Committee Nov 22 for approval of work program and goals

Develop Phase 1 and 2 scope of work

Term of Reference Staff /Adv Committee

Nov 2013 RPAC HSC

Procure consultant Phase 1 and 2

Consultant Staff Nov 2013

Consultant prepare Issues and Options Discussion Paper

Draft Issues and Options Discussion Paper

Consultant Dec 2013 – Feb 2014

Review Draft Issues and Options Discussion Paper with internal stakeholders

Final Issues and Options Discussion Paper

Staff/Adv Cte March – May 2014

RPAC HSC, RPAC, Housing Committee to provide comments on the draft Issues and Options paper

Engage with external stakeholders on Issues and Options Discussion Paper

Workshop to obtain external stakeholder feedback (see list of external stakeholders)

Staff, External Relations, Consultant

June 2014

Summarize external feedback

Report Staff /consultant

June 2014 RPAC HSC, RPAC for information

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Phase 2: Developing the Strategy

Task Output Who does it? Complete

To committees

Prepare Draft RAHS based on Issues and Options work and feedback

Draft RAHS Consultant July – Nov 2014

Internal review and feedback of Draft RAHS

Revised Draft RAHS Staff/Adv Cte and consultant

Feb – Apr 2015

RPAC HSC, RPAC, Housing Committee for comments on Draft RAHS

Consult with external stakeholders

Workshop Staff and consultant, External Relations

May 2015

Report feedback Summary of feedback

Consultant/staff June 2015

RPAC HSC, RPAC for information

Revise draft RAHS based on feedback

Final Draft RAHS Staff July 2015 RPAC HSC, RPAC

Final RAHS Final RAHS Staff Fall 2015 Housing Committee for endorsement, Board for adoption

Stakeholders

Internal Stakeholders – Housing Committee, RPAC, RPAC Housing Subcommittee (RPAC HSC), Regional Development Planning staff

External Stakeholders –BC Housing, BCNPHA, CHBA BC, CHF, GVREB, Rental Housing Council, Provincial Housing Branch, TRAC, Translink, UDI, Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness, and others.

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To: Housing Committee From: Don Littleford, Director, Housing Services Date: October 29, 2013 Meeting Date: November 22, 2013 Subject: Manager’s Report RECOMMENDATION That the Housing Committee receive the report dated October 29, 2013 titled Manager’s Report for information. AirBnb Airbnb is a private company based in San Francisco providing an online service that enables individuals to rent on a short term basis private rooms, apartments, trailers and other dwellings. It has more than 500,000 listings in 33,000 cities and 192 countries including 1000+ listings for Vancouver, BC. It has grown quickly since its launch in 2008, now with 11 international offices. It appears to cater to young travelers, seeking authentic and cost-effective accommodation. There are questions in some cities as to the legality of residents renting out their apartments for less than 30 days. A number of jurisdictions, including New York, Paris and Quebec, have taken measures limiting rentals less than 30 days. Other concerns that have arisen about Airbnb include:

• Hotel industry competition • Zoning/permitting • Hotel tax avoidance • Health, safety and security • Loss of long term private rental units from the rental supply

Airbnb does not appear to have arisen as an issue to date in Metro Vancouver, based on conversations with municipal planning staff in several municipalities. Note that some strata corporations prohibit short-term “executive” rentals in their bylaws. Federation of Canadian Municipalities Launches Housing Advocacy Campaign to Fix Canada’s Housing Crunch On October 28, 2013, Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver and Chair of the Big City Mayors Caucus of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities launched an advocacy campaign in advance of the 2014 federal budget, calling on the federal government and all political parties to work with provincial, territorial and municipal leaders as well as the private sector to develop a long-term housing plan. As part of the campaign FCM released figures from a national survey done from Oct. 18-22, 2013 that showed that one third of families struggle to pay for high cost of housing. The poll results also show that two thirds of those surveyed support the creation of rental housing incentives, a national housing plan, and increased levels of funding for affordable housing. The first step in the campaign is asking communities in every region to adopt a resolution calling for the federal government to take action specifically:

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“…urge the minster of employment and social development to develop a long term plan for housing that puts core investments on solid ground, increases predictability, protects Canadians from the planned expiry of $1.7 billion in social housing agreements and ensures a healthy stock of affordable rental housing for Canadians.”

The news release and a sample resolution are attached. UBCM 2013 Annual Convention Housing Resolutions Endorsed At its 2013 Annual convention September 17 to September 20, 2013 in Vancouver, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities endorsed the following four housing related resolutions:

• B52 Provincial Funding of Social Services and Housing Programs: That provincial ministries of Social Development, Housing and Health work together to provide sufficient funding to local service providers and housing programs to address the needs of individuals living in our communities with mental health, addictions and other chronic social and health issues.

• B53 Amend the SAFER Program: Government of British Columbia adjust the maximum monthly rent levels under the SAFER program to reflect the actual prevailing cost of housing for seniors across the province and eliminate the requirement of annual re-application

• B54 Social Housing: In light of operating agreement and subsidy expiry for social housing, call on the federal government to collaborate with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, and non-profit housing providers and other housing stakeholders to ensure the viability and sustainability of all social housing stock through a national action plan on housing for Canada.

• B121 Reinstating Riverview (Endorsed as Amended) That the provincial government immediately begin to undertake all necessary action, including funding, to reinstate Riverview as a patient centred, wrap around care, modern centre of excellence for mental health care and support.

UBCM staff will now work to obtain the provincial government response to each of the endorsed resolutions. GVS&DD Development Cost Charge Waivers for Affordable Housing 2012 In April 2010, Metro Vancouver implemented changes to the regional Development Cost Charges (DCC) Bylaw permitting a waiver of regional DCCs for rental housing units that meet specified affordability criteria. In 2012 regional DCCs were waived for 581 affordable rental units in 9 projects with a total value of $319,291 or an average of $550/per unit. About 45% of the 1,277 rental starts regionally in 2012 received the waiver. Most of the 2012 waivers were granted for supportive housing projects for homeless or at risk persons. It is possible that there are projects that may have qualified for the waiver but did not apply, and projects that applied but did not qualify. Since adopted in 2010, 1,223 units in 23 projects have received the waiver, for a total value of $765,664. The Metro Vancouver DCC waiver in combination with municipal incentives, such as parking reductions, permit fee reductions and other savings can improve project viability.

7934251

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6.1

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UBCM 2013 RESOLUTIONS DISPOSITION The following is a summary of the resolutions and positions adopted during the policy sessions at the 2013 Convention. The full and exact wording of all amendments will appear in the Convention Minutes. EXTRAORDINARY RESOLUTION ER1 Extraordinary Resolution to Amend

the UBCM Bylaws to Change the Fiscal Year

Endorsed POLICY PAPER Policy Paper 1: Local Government Finance Endorsed SPECIAL RESOLUTION SR1 Packaging & Printed Paper Product

Stewardship Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government and MMBC provide an additional 90 days for local governments to properly clarify and consider the MMBC offer prior to the implementation of the MMBC PPP Stewardship Plan in May 2014; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the provincial government review the MMBC PPP Stewardship Plan, and require that the plan be revised to:

• address local governments’ concerns with the implementation of the plan;

• ensure local governments’ control of recycling programs in their communities;

• ensure producers take full financial responsibility for the collection and recycling of their waste;

• create meaningful market signals that encourage the reduction of packaging and innovation of better, more recyclable packaging; and

• address the issue of continuity of service;

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that UBCM appoint a representative committee

to negotiate with MMBC and the provincial government. SECTION A A1 Flood Management Endorsed A2 Regional Integrated Approach to

Flood Management Endorsed A3 Emergency Notification Endorsed with Amendment as Proposed THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM and FCM urge the provincial and federal governments to establish a world-class emergency and hazard mass notification system, including the following:

• the establishment of a province-wide, all-hazard radio system by expanding Weatheradio Canada coverage with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) protocols, to 100% of the populated areas in British Columbia by the end of 2014;

• the establishment of a federal/provincial/ local government cost-shared funding program with the purpose of ensuring that all of the communities in BC are able to establish mass notification systems that meet local needs; and

• the distribution of information from the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Centre (WCATSC) immediately upon receipt of a tsunami warning, with follow up notifications as necessary.

A4 Conflict of Interest Endorsed

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SECTION B1 B1 Use of Electronic Mail Endorsed B2 Reduced Liability for Local

Governments in Conducting Building Inspections

Endorsed B3 Elector Approval of Boundary

Extensions Endorsed B4 Emergency Preparedness Endorsed B5 Search & Rescue Squad Funding Endorsed B6 RCMP Small Municipality

Detachments Endorsed B7 Rural Policing Endorsed B8 Fire Department Response to

Highway Accidents Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to develop a program with ICBC, separate from and in addition to the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP), to reimburse fire departments that respond to highway incidents. B9 Federal Medicinal Grow Licenses Endorsed B10 Restorative Justice Endorsed B11 Regulations for Motorized Mobility

Aids As Amended, was Not Endorsed B12 Coastal Ferries: Fiscal Fairness &

Long Term Strategy Endorsed

B13 Trans Canada Highway Upgrades Endorsed B14 Review of BC Road Maintenance

Standards Endorsed B15 Public Transportation Endorsed B16 PST Legislation Impacts to District

Energy Utilities Endorsed B17 PST Tax Exemption Request Endorsed with Amendment as Proposed THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that local governments be exempted from paying PST; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such exemption or rebate should not result in any reduction of grants in lieu or any other monies presently directed from the provincial government to local governments, nor should this be seen as an opportunity to download additional responsibilities to local governments without providing sufficient funding to compensate for such additional responsibilities. B18 Small Community Grant Indexing Endorsed B19 Infrastructure Grants for Small

Municipalities Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial and federal governments implement infrastructure grant programs that recognize the limited capacity of small and rural local governments, and that facilitate efficient and fair access to infrastructure funding for all BC local governments, and further that grants not be conditional on ‘P3’ funding. B20 Other Government Grant Programs

Not Working Endorsed

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B21 Reporting Requirements Endorsed B22 Short Term Borrowing Limit Endorsed B23 Provincial Prisoner Cost Recovery Endorsed B24 International Association of Fire

Fighters Negotiations Endorsed B25 Drinking Water Approval Process Endorsed B26 Assessment of Contaminated Land Endorsed B27 Urban Ungulates Endorsed B28 Fish Habitat Protection Endorsed B29 Streamkeepers – Works in Streams Endorsed B30 Derelict & Abandoned Vessels Endorsed B31 Scotch Broom Endorsed B32 Enforcement of Source Water

Protection Endorsed B33 Brownfields Endorsed B34 Provincial Communication with

Local Government Regarding Licenses & Permits

Endorsed B35 Agricultural Land Commission

Land Determination Not Endorsed B36 Provincially Funded Support

Programs Endorsed

B37 Contaminated Soil Facility – Threat to Drinking Water Watershed

Endorsed with Amendment as Proposed THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia be requested to amend contaminated site regulations to provide for thorough and appropriate consideration of local government input and land use regulations in the contaminated soils permitting process. B38 Farm Gate Sales Endorsed B39 Support for Rural BC Project Endorsed B40 Canada-European Union

Comprehensive Economic & Trade Agreement

Endorsed B41 Technology & Engineering

Education Endorsed B42 Clean Energy Endorsed B43 Access to Medical Services Endorsed B44 Air Ambulance Services Endorsed B45 Health Service Consultation Endorsed with Amendment as Proposed THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the provincial government ensure that any proposed change in the level of health services available to any community must first be the subject of consultation between the health authority and local health providers, residents of the affected community and the relevant local governments. B46 Health Care for British Columbians Endorsed B47 Rural Doctor Shortage Endorsed

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B48 Funding for Community Hospice & Respite Beds

Endorsed B49 Evaluation of Resolution

Effectiveness Endorsed B50 Joint Task Force on School Funding

Formula Endorsed B51 School Creative Solutions Endorsed B52 Provincial Funding of Social Service

& Housing Programs Endorsed B53 Request to Amend the SAFER

Program Endorsed B54 Social Housing Endorsed B55 Increase in Social Assistance Rates Endorsed with Amendment as Proposed THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call on the provincial and federal governments to increase the basic support allowance given to individuals on disability, welfare, and/or old age security to a level that reflects the true cost of living in our country. B56 Ensure Food Security Endorsed B57 Independence of the Seniors

Advocate Endorsed B58 Access to Government Services Endorsed B59 Canada Post Distribution of

Unaddressed Mail Regarding Public Safety Issues

Endorsed B60 Access to Legal Services Endorsed

B61 Expansion of Broadband Services Endorsed B142 BC Ambulance Services Endorsed SECTION B2-a B62 Trapping of Animals Endorsed B63 Police Officer Recruitment Fund Endorsed B64 Emergency Management Plans for

Dams in BC Endorsed B65 Telephone & Internet Service During

an Emergency Endorsed B66 Bike Lanes on Provincial Road

Rights-of-way Endorsed B67 Prohibiting Excessive Vehicle Noise Endorsed B68 Local Government Involvement in

ICBC Litigation Endorsed B69 Underground Aquifer Mapping for

Proposed Mining Projects Endorsed B70 Riparian Area Regulations Endorsed B71 Coordinated Environmental Review

Process Endorsed B72 Genetically Engineered Plants &

Animals Endorsed B73 Bear Aware Funding Endorsed

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B74 Funding for Deer Management Education

Endorsed B75 Carbon Sequestration Offsets – Local

Government Owned Trees Endorsed B76 Invasive Zebra & Quagga Mussels Endorsed B77 Major Appliance Stewardship

Program Endorsed B78 Forest Stewardship Plan Extension Endorsed B79 Forest Stewardship & Industrial

Activity Endorsed B80 Mineral Tenure Act Modernization Endorsed B81 Green Jobs Plan for BC Endorsed B82 Support for BC Association of

Agricultural Fairs & Exhibitions Endorsed B83 Mental Health Patient Intake

Procedures & Facilities Endorsed B84 Hoarding & Its Impacts on Local

Governments Endorsed B85 Tiered Electricity Rates Endorsed with Amendment as Proposed THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call on the provincial government to review the impact of a tiered electricity rate structure on low-income British Columbians; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the results of the review of the tiered rate structure reveal a negative impact, that amendments be made to minimize the effect for those less fortunate and those who have

limited options to reduce their electricity usage (i.e. no access to natural gas). SECTION B2-b B86 Personal Information of Elected

Officials Endorsed B87 Workplace Bullying & Harassment Endorsed B88 Shadow Populations Endorsed B89 Two-tiered Police Force Endorsed B90 Emergency Social Services &

Temporary Disaster Assistance for Second Home Owners & Temporary Residents

Endorsed B91 Photo Radar in School Zones Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the provincial government to change its legislation to permit the use of speed cameras in school and playground traffic zones; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that fine revenue be shared on a negotiated basis between local governments. B92 Requirement for Working Smoke Alarms Referred to UBCM Executive B93 Other Voting Not Endorsed B94 Civic Election Term Length in BC Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM ask the provincial government to increase the interval between civic elections from three years to four years, and that legislation be passed to do so in time for the 2014 election.

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B95 Local Government Election Campaign Finance Rules

Endorsed B96 Reducing Default Speed Limits for

Municipal Roads Not Endorsed B97 All Terrain Vehicle Operation on

Public Roads Endorsed B98 Community Charter/Local Government

Act Amendment Not Endorsed B99 Provincial Fuel Tax Funding for

Active Transportation Infrastructure Endorsed B100 Host Local Government Share of

Casino Revenues Endorsed B101 New Property Class for Large

Commercial Entities Endorsed B102 Medical Marihuana Land Use

Assessment & Taxation Referred to UBCM Executive B103 Assessment of Wine & Cider

Producers As Amended, was Not Endorsed B104 Coastal Douglas Fir Partnership Endorsed B105 Watershed Protection Endorsed B106 Removal of Carbon Tax from

Biofuels Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of BC amend the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements) Act to remove the Carbon Tax from the entire biofuel portion of all fuel production and sales derived from reused oil sources only, and provide further incentives to

ensure that the renewable fuel sector continues as a viable industry for BC consumers and supports provincial greenhouse gas reduction objectives. B107 Goose Population Control Endorsed B108 Noxious Weeds & Range Lands Endorsed B109 Agricultural Land Commission

Applications Not Endorsed B110 Agricultural Land – Second

Dwelling Not Endorsed B111 Regulation of Foreign Ownership of

Farmland Endorsed B112 Private Managed Forest Land

Assessment & Consultation Endorsed B113 Landscape Security Endorsed B114 Review of Planning & Development

Legislation Not Endorsed B115 Restaurant Liquor Licenses in the

Agricultural Land Reserve Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Agricultural Land Reserve Use, Subdivision and Procedure Regulation and the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation be amended to allow for the sale or service of wine, beer and spirits manufactured and grown in British Columbia in winery lounges as a permitted farm use in the ALR. B116 Community Forest Management

Zone for Wildfire Hazard Reduction Endorsed B117 Grow-op Bylaw Authority Endorsed

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B118 Third Party Monitoring of Sewerage Installations Abutting Farmland

Endorsed B119 Water Quality Testing Endorsed B120 Early Intervention Centres for

Mental Health & Addiction Endorsed B121 Reinstating Riverview Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government immediately begin to undertake all necessary action, including funding, to reinstate Riverview as a patient-centred, wrap around care, modern centre of excellence for mental health care and support. B122 Funding for Hospice Care Endorsed as Amended THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Hospital District Act be amended to provide enabling legislation authorizing regional hospital districts to requisition funds to support the capital costs of hospice societies and centres located within a regional hospital district. Due to time constraints, the remainder of the resolutions from Section B2-b, as well as the resolutions from Section B3, were not considered. In accordance with s. 18 of the Conference Rules & Procedures for Handling Resolutions, these resolutions were referred automatically to the UBCM Executive, who will consider the resolutions at their meeting in November 2013. RESOLUTIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE LR1 Fairness & Balance in the BC

Heritage Conservation Act Endorsed LR2 BC Product Stewardship for

Packaging & Printed Paper Referred to UBCM Executive

LR3 Multi-Material BC Product Stewardship Packaging & Printed Paper Plan for BC

Referred to UBCM Executive LR4 Multi-Material BC – Packaging &

Printed Paper Stewardship Referred to UBCM Executive LR5 Packaging & Printed Paper Product

Stewardship Referred to UBCM Executive LR6 Protection of Local Water Resources

& Watershed Land Not Admitted for Debate LR7 Funding Assistance for Project

Proposal Evaluation Not Admitted for Debate LR8 Parking Enforcement in Rural Areas Not Admitted for Debate LR9 Howe Sound Management Plan Endorsed The resolutions that were not admitted for debate relate to issues that were known prior to the June 30 submission deadline for resolutions. These resolutions will be forwarded to the appropriate Area Association for consideration in the 2014 resolutions cycle, pending sponsor approval. RESOLUTION OFF THE FLOOR OF1 Martin Mars Water Bomber

Sponsor: Port Alberni Endorsed THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia be urged to renew the contract with Coulson Group and retain the Martin Mars water bomber as part of its fire suppression program in the interests of its effectiveness in direct attacks, delivery cost, its long-term utility and its ability to create safe zones through strategic drops.

1370/60/Resolutions Disposition 2013

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FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION October 28, 2013

Municipal Leaders Launch New Campaign to Fix Canada’s Housing Crunch

OTTAWA – The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced today that it is launching a campaign that calls on the federal government and all political parties to work with provincial, territorial and municipal leaders, as well as the private sector, to develop a credible long-term housing plan. This comes as new polling numbers were released that show one third of families are struggling to pay for the growing costs of housing. "Our cities and communities need a stable and secure housing market that creates jobs, attracts new workers, meets the needs of seniors and young families, and keeps our most vulnerable citizens off the streets," said Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver and Chair of the Big City Mayors Caucus, who launched the campaign on Monday. FCM members will be taking the campaign, entitled “Fixing Canada’s Housing Crunch”, to decision makers in Ottawa in the coming months in advance of the 2014 budget. The first step in the process is that communities in every region will be passing a resolution calling for the federal government to take action. Joining Mayor Robertson at the campaign launch were Luc Montreuil, City Councillor for Gatineau, and Ana Bailão, Toronto City Councillor and Toronto’s housing campaign lead. Toronto will be the first in the country to put forward the resolution. The high cost of housing in Canada is the most urgent financial issue facing Canadians today. According to Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada, rising housing costs have pushed Canadians’ personal debts to record levels and are putting Canada’s national economy at risk with Canadians carrying more than $1.1 trillion worth of mortgage debt. A growing number of Canadians are being priced out of the housing market, putting pressure on a crowded rental market and crumbling affordable housing units, and forcing the most vulnerable citizens onto the streets. Compounding these problems is the coming expiry of $1.7 billion annually in federal affordable housing dollars with the greatest drop in funding, $500 million a year, ending between 2014 and 2019. This will put 200,000 units at risk and could lead to a crisis unless all orders of government take action. "We believe the government’s commitment in Budget 2013 to evidence-based solutions such as the Housing First approach for homelessness is a promising start, but they need to back it up with real results and expand that action to other areas of our affordable housing problem. Canada’s housing challenges are too big and too complex for any single order of government to solve on its own," added Mayor Robertson. As part of the campaign, FCM is launching an interactive website at www.fcm.ca/housingcrunch. The site also provides the results to the new housing survey, tools and information that illustrate why Canadians continue to struggle to pay for the costs of shelter.

-30- For more information, please contact: Mouktar Abdillahi, Media Relations Advisor, 613-907-6395

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SAMPLE MODEL HOUSING RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORT FROM COUNCIL Please customize as appropriate, particularly by providing examples of high-priority housing projects that require continued federal support. RESOLUTION Development of a New Long-Term Federal Plan to Fix Canada’s Housing Crunch WHEREAS, a stable and secure housing system that creates and maintains jobs and allows for a range of living options is essential to attracting new workers, meeting the needs of young families and supporting seniors and our most vulnerable citizens; and, WHEREAS the high cost of housing is the most urgent financial issue facing Canadians with one in four people paying more than they can afford for housing, and mortgage debt held by Canadians now standing at just over $1.1 trillion; and, WHEREAS housing costs and, as the Bank of Canada notes, household debt, are undermining Canadians’ personal financial security, while putting our national economy at risk; and, WHEREAS those who cannot afford to purchase a home rely on the short supply of rental units, which is driving up rental costs and making it hard to house workers in regions experiencing strong economic activity; and, WHEREAS an inadequate supply of subsidized housing for those in need is pushing some of the most vulnerable Canadians on to the street, while $1.7 billion annually in federal investments in social housing have begun to expire; and, WHEREAS coordinated action is required to prevent housing issues from being offloaded onto local governments and align the steps local governments have already taken with regard to federal/provincial/territorial programs and policies; and, WHEREAS, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has launched a housing campaign, “Fixing Canada’s Housing Crunch,” calling on the federal government to increase housing options for Canadians and to work with all orders of government to develop a long-term plan for Canada’s housing future; and, WHEREAS FCM has asked its member municipalities to pass a council resolution supporting the campaign; AND WHEREAS, our community has continuing housing needs, such as the XX and the XX, that can only be met through the kind of long-term planning and investment made possible by federal leadership;

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that council endorses the FCM housing campaign and urges the minister of employment and social development to develop a long-term plan for housing that puts core investments on solid ground, increases predictability, protects Canadians from the planned expiry of $1.7 billion in social housing agreements and ensures a healthy stock of affordable rental housing for Canadians. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the minister noted above, to the (provincial/territorial) minister of municipal affairs, to (Name of local MP), to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and to the (Name provincial/Territorial association).

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