Burnaby, B.C. – Officials in Burnaby are attempting to form a partnership with the province, through BC Housing, to increase non-market housing in this city by up to 25 per cent.
“New affordable housing for seniors, for families with children and more – this is about ensuring Burnaby is a city with a place for everyone,” said Mayor Mike Hurley in a press release. “During the Mayor’s Task Force on Community Housing process earlier this year, residents told us they wanted more affordable housing of all types. This initiative puts more of the task force recommendations into real action.”
According to the city, BC Housing has signaled its support for creating a multi-year partnership with the city to build new social, affordable and supportive housing.
The city and BC Housing have a proposed partnership where the city would offer six sites for long-term lease to a non-profit housing society, non-profit housing co-operative or a government housing entity at a nominal fee. The city would also expedite approvals and cover the cost of permits and servicing through its Community Benefit Bonus Housing Fund. BC Housing would fund and finance the development of the projects and provide operating subsidies as required. It would also be responsible for managing the agreement with the operator to ensure ongoing affordability.
“Burnaby, like many communities across our province, has been deeply impacted by the housing crisis,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, in a press release. “It’s great to see the City of Burnaby taking a proactive approach to help people who are struggling to find an affordable place to live. We look forward to working in partnership with the city to build the right kind of housing for families and seniors throughout the community.”
Currently there are more than 5,600 units of non-market housing the city. The proposed partnership would aim to create up to 1,300 new units, with the optional development 218 more affordable townhome units on the Bevan Lands (Stride and Bevan) property.
The city stated it will rezone its properties and seek partnerships with non-profit developers once an agreement is finalized. The city would also apply for BC Housing project funding in 2020, with aim to have the first shovels in the ground in 2021.
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