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Housing Affordability: Victoria, BC

Explore the housing affordability issue in Victoria, BC, focusing on key factors such as adequate housing, affordability, suitable dwelling conditions, and challenges faced by residents. Research data, personal stories, and policy recommendations offer insights into the current landscape and potential solutions for improving housing access and reducing homelessness.

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Housing Affordability: Victoria, BC

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  1. Housing Affordability: Victoria, BC Bernie Pauly RN, Ph.D Associate Professor, School of Nursing Scientist, Centre for Addictions Research of BC January 30, 2014

  2. Adequate housing: not requiring any major repairs. • Affordabledwellings costs less than 30% of total before-tax household income. • Suitable housing has enough bedrooms for household residents (CMHC, Core Housing Need) • Source Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (2009). Research highlight: 2006 Census Housing Series: Issue 2—The Geography of Core Housing Need, 2001-2006. Socio-economic Series. Policy and Research Division. Ottawa, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

  3. ‘Tip of the Iceberg’ Sources: • Pauly et al., (2013). Facing Homelessness, Victoria: Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessenss and CARBC • Gaetz, S., et al. (2013). The State of Homelessness in Canada 2013. Toronto. • Unsheltered • Emergency Sheltered: 1,659 individuals (Pauly et al., 2013) • Provisionally Accommodated • Insecurely housing (Core Housing Need): • 27% of Greater Victorian Renters are paying more than 30% of income for rent • 10.9% are paying more than 50% (Severe Housing need). (Gaetz et al, 2013

  4. How easy is it to find a place to live in Greater Victoria? Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2007-2012). Rental Market Report, Victoria CMA

  5. Bachelor Vacancy Rates Source: Pauly et al., 2013. Facing Homelessness Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness

  6. How much does it cost to rent in Victoria? Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2007-2012). Rental Market Report, Victoria CMA.

  7. How Many Low-priced Units Are in Greater Victoria? Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (2006-2012). Rental Market Survey and Pauly et al., 2013.

  8. “I was in the city twenty years, I only lived in two places, until they started to increase the rent and we got pushed out because of the rent increase, I couldn’t afford to live there anymore So, so I got pushed out of my home and just months later I was homeless for fifteen months ….so that’s what happened to me.” – Dee Source: Pauly et al., (2013) Facing Homelessness, Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness and CARBC.

  9. Housing Registry: 1477 People Housing Registry Applicant Households by Type (Snapshot as of March 31, 2013) *Housing Registry statistics are based on a snapshot of those on the waitlist on the last day of the fiscal year. Source: BC Housing, Operations Branch, Housing Services Reporting, 4th Quarter Activity - March 31, 2011-2012.

  10. How much does it cost an individual for food and rent?

  11. “So you gotta toss up whether you pay your bills, your hydro this month or you eat some food or you give up food to pay your hydro.” - Dee Source: Food Banks Canada. (2012). Hunger Count 2012: British Columbia Summary of Findings.

  12. Subsidized Units/Rental Supplements In 2012/13, • NOnew subsidized units have been added for homeless or Aboriginal peoples. 88 were added for families and seniors but some units deactivated. • NOnew funding for rent supplements for homeless individuals. Current Total: 150 Source: BC Housing. (2013). Homelessness Services System.

  13. Eroding Foundations…. • Withdrawal of federal government e.g. CMHC • Privatization of Housing Market (1993) • Rising Market Rents • Aging Housing Stock • Loss of Affordable Housing stock (Gentrification)

  14. Income Policies • Welfare Reform (2002) • Minimum Wage • Employment Trends • Deinstitutionalization

  15. The “New Poverty” “Homelessness is a result of a series of ‘dehousing’ policies” Hulchanski, 2005

  16. Re-Building the Foundation • Increase Rent Supps • Raise BC Housing Shelter Allowance • Increase # of Subsidized and Supportive Units • Broaden Reach of Rental Assistance Programs • National Housing Strategy • Housing First: Evidence Based and Effective. • Cooperative Housing

  17. Thank you! website: www.carbc.caemail: carbc@uvic.caBlog: www.carbc2300.wordpress.com carbc_uviccarbc.uvic

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