Victoria, BC– Approaching housing solutions in the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area (SGI EA) is as unique as the islands themselves, and is the central theme to a new report prepared in consultation with Island residents and endorsed by the Capital Regional District (CRD).
The Southern Gulf Islands (SGI) Housing Strategy states, like many communities in the CRD, housing affordability is the result of complex factors. However in the SGI EA, these factors are compounded by the unique characteristics of the islands as rural, remote, environmentally sensitive, and growth constrained.
The basis of the recommendations in the Housing Strategy reflect the information learned through the 2018 CRD Housing Needs Assessment and the updated SGI Market analysis conducted in 2022, combined with years of community input and engagement accumulated through land use planning processes.
The Housing Strategy includes an objective to advance a whole government approach utilizing multiple stakeholders working together.
Identified as a shared responsibility, partnerships should include the non-profit sector and residents working together with the federal, provincial, and local governments to advance the goals of the Housing Strategy, with seven objectives and 22 actions identified.
The SGI Housing Strategy can be found at: southern-gulf-islands-housing-strategy.pdf (crd.bc.ca)
The Southern Gulf Islands of Galiano, Mayne, North and South Pender Islands, Saturna, and associated islands make up an unincorporated rural Electoral Area under the jurisdiction of the Capital Regional District (CRD).
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For more information:
Justine Starke, Manager
SGI Service Delivery (CRD)
Tel: 250.360.3275
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492