WHEREAS the District of Kitimat is concerned that the current economy has resulted in high rental rates and has affected the ability of residents on low and fixed incomes to acquire housing in Kitimat and throughout the region; AND WHEREAS access to safe, affordable housing is a requirement to create healthy communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM call on the provincial government to increase BC Housing rental subsidies for low-income households in communities affected by industrial development.
Ministry of Natural Gas Development Minister Responsible for Housing The Province of British Columbia is working with northern communities to help them manage the economic development and growth that will occur over the next few years. We are in the early stages and housing is a key priority in our discussions. The Province is supporting Kitimat, as well as Port Edward, Prince Rupert and Terrace, to develop Housing Action Plans. These will help to identify specific actions that can be taken by all levels of government and other stakeholders to address expected housing needs over the longer term. The Province is working to expand the new Homeless Prevention Program to northern communities. First announced in October 2014, the program provides rent supplements and support services to those at risk of homelessness. The Province and the federal government are investing 62.5 million over five years to help prevent homelessness. To help increase affordable housing options for low-income seniors and families living in the private market, the Province is investing an additional 12.5 million annually to enhance our rental assistance programs, the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters SAFER program and Rental Assistance Program RAP. On average, families will see an extra 40 per month; the average increase for seniors will be about 34 per month. Last year, the Province invested about 400 million to provide affordable housing for more than 100,000 BC households. In the northern region, there is close to 32 million invested each year to help more than 4,900 low-income households.