“We recognized affordability was an issue” Selina Robinson, Minister of Municpal Affairs and Housing.

We here in the North-West region are well aware of the tough housing market.

Not only is it hard to rent, it is also very difficult to find an affordable home.

Well, help is on the way as the BC Government has announced that 14, 000 new homes will be built for budget 2018.

During election time, the NDP promised 114, 000 homes worth nearly $7 billion dollars over 10 years, making this a small portion of the plan. Minister of Municipal Affairs Selena Robinson says her staff recognized a problem and are delivering on their promise.

“We were well aware of an unaffordable housing market. I was shocked to hear the numbers on how our housing market is doing. Its unaffordable for not only those in the North-West but all of BC. Seniors, students, families, and single people all struggle the same. This is a small step towards achieving that goal.”

So how do we reach out to address the potential housing issue here in the North-West? Robinson says it’s simple.

“The 14, 000 units launched this week are designed to partner with local governments, local coops, and nonprofits. They must propose an idea and in coordination with BC Housing, we will work with them to make sure their plan comes to fruition.”

Robinson says her relationship with 189 local governments across the province makes for a good line of communication ensuring everyone is taken care of.

Each project built under the Building BC Community Housing Fund will reflect the following mix of incomes:

•  30% of the units will be for households with moderate incomes.
  These are defined as household incomes up to $71,200 for homes with fewer than two bedrooms, or up to $104,000 for homes with two or more bedrooms.
• 50% of the units will be for low- to moderate-income households. These are defined as household incomes below the Housing Income Limits, which range from $21,000 to $95,000, depending on the community and the unit size.
• 20% of the units will be for households with low incomes. Households requiring a deeper level of subsidy, such as those receiving income assistance. These are incomes below $15,000 to $30,000, depending on unit size.