Housing Needs Report

In 2019, the BC Provincial government introduced a new Housing Needs Assessment Report requirement for all local governments in BC. Every 5 years, local governments are required to prepare a Housing Needs Report.

These reports include collecting and analyzing housing and demographic data to help communities better understand their current and future housing needs. They are also useful for identifying gaps in the housing supply, and help inform future housing policy and decision-making.

In 2020, the Sunshine Coast Regional District, Town of Gibsons, and District of Sechelt partnered to produce the region’s first Housing Needs Assessment (see link to report below).

What’s in a Housing Needs Report?

Housing Needs Reports provide key data and statistics on current population, households, economy, community, and housing, as well as projected demographic change over the next few years.

Core Housing Needs data, housing standards, and housing market indicators are used to consider the extent of housing need that is currently unmet.

Key areas of need are further identified, including:

  • Non-market rental and co-op housing
  • Rental housing
  • Family housing
  • Shelters
  • Housing for people in or at risk of homelessness
  • Needs among disproportionately impacted communities

Population and household projections serve as a basis to anticipate future housing need. Housing Needs Reports therefore provide important information on the state of local housing and can help tailor public policies accordingly.

 

2020 Sunshine Coast Housing Needs Report

2020 Sunshine Coast Housing Needs Report Implementation Framework

Provincial Housing Needs Reports