BC Municipal Election Campaign

Transcription

1 MAKE 2018 BC Municipal Election Campaign COMMUNITY GUIDE CITY OF VANCOUVER

2 INTRODUCTION British Columbians will go to the polls on October 20, 2018 to elect Mayors and Councillors in their communities. There is no question that affordable housing is one of the most important issues to be addressed and we are asking candidates to Make Housing Central in their campaigns, and asking our members to hold them accountable. BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) represents over 600 non-profit housing providers across British Columbia; the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC) represents 250 co-op housing providers. Collectively, we represent almost 100,000 households in the province. As part of our ongoing advocacy for our members, BCNPHA and CHF BC have joined together under the umbrella of Housing Central to ensure that the facts on housing and affordability in your community are known and shared. The lead-up to election day is a time for action. We will be reaching out throughout the campaign with information for our membership and for candidates and encouraging engagement between the two groups. We are asking our members to engage with candidates so there is a common understanding of the important roles that non-profit and co-op housing providers play in communities, and additionally, the challenges currently faced by our members and the community sector. We are asking candidates to review this guide to understand the current realities regarding affordable rental housing in their communities and commit to our Make Housing Central Pledge. Furthermore, we are asking you to talk with our members and commit to addressing the issues surrounding the availability of, and access to, non-profit and co-operative housing. We appreciate you taking the time to read this election guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Housing Central if you have questions or you require additional information. Thank you for your commitment in working with us toward shared success in addressing the challenges of ensuring safe, livable, and affordable housing in communities for all British Columbians. Thom Armstrong Executive Director Co-operative Housing Federation of BC Jill Atkey Chief Executive Officer BC Non-Profit Housing Association 2

3 CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES We are committed to advocating for our members and have been busy this past year connecting with elected officials at all levels of government to share thoughts and concerns on their behalf. Our primary focus of this campaign is to ensure that civic candidates: Understand housing affordability in their municipality and/or region Commit to Making Housing Central in their campaign by signing on to our Pledge Understand what municipal tools exist to support the development of new affordable housing units and retention of existing affordable units Address homelessness that may exist in their community CAMPAIGN MESSAGES The lack of affordable housing, combined with high-market rents, are a problem for low-income and low-wage people in every city and town across our province. The non-profit and co-operative housing sector is one of the solutions to the affordability crisis. Non-profits and coops make sure the province s most vulnerable citizens and our workforce have a safe, secure place to call home. We help house people with low incomes, seniors, families, people with disabilities, women fleeing violence, and people vulnerable to addictions and mental health issues. Many co-ops (50 in Vancouver alone) are on land leased from municipalities or private landlords. Their leases must be renewed to provide long-term security of tenure on fair and reasonable terms. The affordable housing crisis can t be solved with one-time measures. For the first time, all three levels of government have made commitments to affordable housing and there is a real opportunity to partner with us to ensure that we have a strong and stable housing supply in the community sector. CAMPAIGN CONTACT Diana Dilworth Government Relations Manager, Housing Central diana@bcnpha.ca #makehousingcentral 3

4 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF SUPPORTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN COMMUNITIES Family stability: With nearly one in five renter households in BC spending over half of their income on shelter, affordable housing is central for family stability. When households spend too much of their income on housing, they end up sacrificing other necessities such as food, clothing, and childcare. Education: Affordable housing is crucial for the education outcomes of children as well as adults. Studies have shown a link between stable, affordable housing and better grades, higher educational attainment, and ultimately higher incomes for low-income individuals and families. Health: There is a range of beneficial health outcomes associated with affordable housing. Research has shown a strong link between the condition of housing and physical health outcomes of individuals. Adequate and affordable housing is associated with better birth outcomes for children, as well as reduced cardiovascular disease, depression, and mortality. Social connection: Affordable housing options are often located in more remote areas of communities, disconnected from schools, transit, community centres, social networks and other amenities. A lack of affordable housing can lead to social exclusion of vulnerable groups and result in greater marginalisation or disconnection. Job creation and spending: The rental housing sector in BC has enormous benefits for job growth and spending in the economy. A 2013 study by LandlordBC and KPMG Canada found that BC s rental housing sector contributed $10.60 billion to Canada s GDP and generated 82,851 full-time equivalent jobs across BC. High housing costs impact where workers can locate and increasingly this has led to greater difficulty/increased challenges for employers to attract and retain labour. Cleaners, restaurant workers, bus drivers, teachers, nurses, police officers and other professions all require affordable housing to make thriving and functioning economies. Cost savings: It is cheaper to invest in affordable housing than do nothing. Homelessness alone is estimated to cost Canadians $7 billion annually, including $1 billion per year in British Columbia. Research has found that for every $10 spent on housing and supports for those who are chronically homeless, $21.72 is saved in costs related to health care, the justice system, shelters, and other social supports. While building affordable housing is expensive, not building housing is more expensive. 4

5 WHAT CAN CANDIDATES DO TO HELP MAKE HOUSING CENTRAL? During the lead-up to the October 20th municipal elections, we are asking candidates to take action in committing to address affordable housing as a priority. 1 Engage with our members Reach out to our members in your community to understand what their issues and concerns are. A list of members in your riding has been provided in this guide. 2 Understand the municipal role in addressing housing and affordability issues The Housing Central website provides valuable evidenced-based resources to help you understand housing affordability in your community and across our province. We encourage you to take the time to review data related to your community and region and take the Make Housing Central Pledge found on the website. Share your commitment on social media using the #MakeHousingCentral. 3 After the election Familiarize yourself with the co-operatives and non-profit housing providers in your riding. Reach out and introduce yourself and confirm your commitment to addressing affordable housing issues on their behalf. You can also connect with them at our regional events and annual Housing Central Conference. WHAT CAN HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS DO TO HELP MAKE HOUSING CENTRAL? During the lead-up to the October 20th municipal elections, we are asking our members to participate in their local civic elections. 1 Engage with your candidates Reach out to the candidates in your community to understand what their position is related to housing and affordability. Write an , make a phone call and engage with candidates when they knock on your door. Attend an all-candidates meeting and ask questions about what they will do to increase the supply of, and retain existing affordable housing in your community. 2 Engage with your local community Speak with your family, friends and neighbours to ensure that they are aware of the issues facing non-profit housing providers and co-operatives. Make sure your residents know when and where to vote. If you are active on social media, follow the issue of affordable housing on Facebook and Twitter and contribute to the discussions online. 3 After the election Follow your local campaign and know who your elected officials are. Write to your newly elected officials to offer congratulations and introduce yourself and your housing developments. Keep in touch to remind them about the commitments they made during the campaign and keep them accountable. 5

6 TAKE THE MAKE HOUSING CENTRAL PLEDGE During the lead-up to the October 20 th civic elections, we are asking all candidates across the province to Make Housing Central in their campaigns. Candidates can show their support for affordable housing by taking the pledge to Make Housing Central. By taking the pledge, you commit to: Contribute public land to the community housing sector for new affordable homes Protect existing affordable housing supply through retention and replacement policies Zone existing and new rental developments as rental only Streamline municipal permitting and rezoning processes to fast-track development of affordable rental housing Pursue partnerships with local non-profits, co-operatives and other stakeholders in the community housing sector to create new affordable housing developments Visit to learn more about these actions and to take the pledge. Once you ve signed on, share your commitment on social media using the #MakeHousingCentral. 6

7 All data sourced from Statistics Canada, 2016 Census. Additional details found at 7

8 HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY Co-op Housing Providers (5,761 units) Aaron Webster Housing Co-operative Access Housing Co-operative Adanac Village Housing Co-operative Society Alberni Family Housing Co-operative Alder Bay Housing Co-operative Alexander Laidlaw Housing Co-operative Alexander Street Co-operative Amicae Housing Cooperative Anita Lewis Housing Co-operative Arbutus Housing Cooperative Arlington Grove Housing Co-operative Ashley Mar Housing Co-operative Broadview Housing Co-operative Burlington Heights Housing Co-operative Cedar Mill Housing Co-operative Charles Square Housing Co-operative Charleston Terrace Housing Co-operative Chilean Housing Co-operative China Creek Housing Co-operative City Edge Housing Co-operative City Gate Housing Co-operative Coal Harbour Housing Co-operative Collingwood Village Housing Co-operative Community Alternatives Housing Co-operative Connaught Housing Co-operative Coopérative d'habitation Demers Core Artists Live-Work Cooperative Creekview Housing Co-operative Crossroads Housing Co-operative David Wetherow Housing Co-operative De Cosmos Village Housing Co-operative Domego Housing Co-operative Dunbar Village Community Co-operative Dundee Court Housing Co-operative Eburne Landing Housing Co-operative Eight Oaks Housing Co-operative Emma G Housing Co-operative False Creek Co-operative Housing Association First Avenue Athletes Village Housing Co-operative Four Sisters Housing Co-operative Fraserview Housing Co-operative Grace MacInnis Housing Co-operative 8

9 HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY Co-op Housing Providers cont'd Grandview Co-operative Housing Association Griffin's Walk Housing Cooperative H.W. Flesher Housing Co-operative Harbour Cove Housing Co-operative Helen's Court Co-operative Housing Association Heritage Housing Co-operative Inti Housing Co-operative (1985) Jackson Avenue Housing Co-operative Jasmine Place Housing Co-operative Juniper Co-operative Community Housing Association (1) Juniper Co-operative Community Housing Association (2) Kanata Co-operative Housing Association Kaslo Gardens Housing Co-operative Killarney Gardens Housing Co-operative Kinross Creek Housing Co-operative Kitsilano Terrace Housing Co-operative Kitsun Co-operative Housing La Petite Maison Co-operative Housing Association Lakewood Terrace Housing Co-operative Laura Jamieson Housing Co-operative Le Coeur Housing Co-operative Levellers' Housing Co-operative Lore Krill Housing Cooperative (1) Lore Krill Housing Cooperative (2) Maple Creek Housing Co-operative Marina Housing Co-operative Marine Court Housing Co-operative Marpole Terrace Housing Co-operative Matheson Heights Housing Co-operative Mau Dan Gardens Housing Co-operative Melton Court Co-operative Housing Association Northern Way Housing Co-operative Pacific Heights Housing Co-operative Pacific Park Place (1985) Housing Co-operative Paloma Housing Co-operative Penta Co-operative Housing Association Phoenix Court Housing Co-operative Rishon Housing Co-operative Rising Star Housing Co-operative Riverside Landing Housing Co-operative Robson Park Co-operative Housing Association 8

10 HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY Co-op Housing Providers cont'd Rose Garden Co-operative Housing Society Roundhouse Co-operative Housing Association Sam Greer Place Housing Co-operative Sitka Housing Co-operative (1985) Sojourn Housing Co-operative Stanley Noble Stronge Housing Co-operative Still Creek Housing Co-operative Strathcona Co-operative Housing Association Sunbridge Housing Co-operative Sunrise Housing Co-operative Synala Housing Co-operative The Manhattan Co-operative Housing The Manor Housing Co-operative The Waterfront Consumers' Co-operative (1) The Waterfront Consumers' Co-operative (2) Tidal Flats Housing Co-operative Trafalgar Co-operative Housing Association Trout Lake Housing Co-operative Twin Rainbows Housing Co-operative Vancouver East Co-operative Housing Association Vera Housing Co-operative Association Victoria Gardens Housing Co-operative View Court Housing Co-operative Watershed Co-operative Housing Association Westerdale Housing Co-operative WISHS Housing Co-operative Wit's End Housing Co-operative Yew Street Housing Co-operative 8

11 HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY Non-Profit Housing Providers (1,900 units) The 12 Society for Housing Abbeyfield Houses of Vancouver Society Act 2 Child and Family Services Affordable Housing Societies Alexandra Housing Society ANAVETS Senior Citi ens' Housing Society Anglican Homes Anita Lewis Housing Co-operative Atira Women's Resource Society Bantleman Court Housing Society The Baptist Housing Society of BC The Baptist Foundation of BC Beulah Garden Homes Society Bridge Housing Society for Women Broadway Pentecostal Benevolent Association for BC Broadway Pentecostal Care Association Burlington Heights Housing Co-operative Calling Ministries Canadian Hungarian Housing Society of BC Catholic Charities Men's Hostel Central City Housing Society Chalmers Foundation Chau Luen Kon Sol Society Cheshire Homes Society of British Columbia Chinese Benevolent Association Housing Society Chinese Freemasons Housing Society of BC Chishaun Housing Sociey Christ Church of China Circle of Eagles Lodge Society City Centre Care Society City Gate Housing Co-operative City of Vancouver City of Vancouver Public Housing Corporation Coal Harbour Housing Co-operative Coast Foundation Society Coast Mental Health 8

12 HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY Non-Profit Housing Providers cont'd COHO Management Services Society Collingwood Village Housing Co-operative Columbus Charities Association Columbus Long Term Care Society Community Living Society Connexus Family & Children Services Covenant House Vancouver CUC Housing Society Dart Coon Club Developmental Disabilities Association Downtown Eastside Women's Centre Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation East Enders Amherst Lions Housing Society Entre Nous Femmes Housing Society The Fair Haven United Church Homes Family Services of Greater Vancouver Finnish Canadian Rest Home Association First United Church Social Housing Society GC of the Salvation Army: Vancouver German-Canadian Benevolent Society of BC Granville Mennonite Housing Society Greater Vancouver Community Services Society Haro Park Centre Society Healing Our Spirit BC Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Society Hellenic Housing Society of BC Helping Spirit Lodge Society HFBC Housing Foundation Hollyburn Family Services Ltd. Icelandic Care Home Hofn Society Italian Cultural Centre Senior Citizen Housing Society J.W. Smith Foundation Jewish Home for the Aged of BC - Louis Brier Home John Howard Society of the Lower Mainland Kettle Friendship Society Kinbrace Community Society Kiwanis Soroptimist (1974) Senior Citizens Housing Society Kiwassa Housing Society 8

13 HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY Non-Profit Housing Providers cont'd Lesya Ukrainka Housing Society Lions Paraplegic Lodge Society Little Mountain Residential Care & Housing Society Lookout Emergency Aid Society Lore Krill Housing Co-operative Lu'ma Native Housing Society Lutheran Manor Society of Vancouver M. Kopernik Foundation Mavis McMullen Housing Society McLaren Housing Society of British Columbia Mennonite Senior Citizens' Society of BC Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation Mole Hill Community Housing Society More Than a Roof Mennonite Housing Society Mount Pleasant Housing Society MPA Society Neighbourhood Housing Society New Chelsea Society Pacific Youth and Family Services Society Pacifica Treatment Centre Society Performing Arts Lodge (PAL) Vancouver PHS Community Services Society posabilities Providence Health Care RainCity Housing and Support Society Red Door Housing Society Residences For Independent Living Society Richmond Health Services Rose Garden Co-Operative Housing Society Roundhouse Co-operative Housing Association Royal Arch Masonic Homes Society S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Salsbury Community Society Salvation Army Belkin House Salvation Army Grace Mansion Salvation Army Harbour Light Salvation Army Homestead Salvation Army Kate Booth House Salvation Army Southview Heights Sanford Housing Society 8

14 HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY Non-Profit Housing Providers cont'd Shalom Branch #178 Building Society Shiloh Housing Society Shon Yee Housing Society Societe D'Habitation La Verendrye Society for the Christian Care of the Elderly Soroptimist Club of Vancouver South Amherst Housing Society Southvan Foundation Spectrum Society for Community Living St. George's Place Society St. Jude's Anglican Home Society St. Luke's Home St. Mary's Kerrisdale Housing Society St. Marys Ukrainian Senior Citizens Housing Society Stanley Noble Stronge Housing Co-op The Bloom Group The Pendrellis Society Three Links Care Society Tikva Housing Society Touchstone Family Association Turning Point Recovery Society Ukrainian Senior Citizens Association Union Gospel Housing Society Uptown Kiwanis Senior Citizens Housing Society Urban Native Youth Association Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society Vancouver Broadway Housing Society Vancouver Chinatown Housing Society Vancouver Chinese Kung Kao Foundation Vancouver East Lions Foundation Vancouver Jewish Building Society Vancouver Kiwanis Senior Citizens Housing Society Vancouver Native Health Society Vancouver Native Housing Society Vancouver Rape Relief Society Vancouver Resource Society Veterans Memorial Housing Society VI Fineday Family Shelter Society 8

15 HOUSING CENTRAL MEMBERS IN THE COMMUNITY Non-Profit Housing cont'd Villa Cathay Care Home Society Voice of the Cerebral Palsied Housing Society W.J. Stelmaschuk & Associates Ltd. W.J. Stelmaschuk & Associates Ltd. W.J. Stelmaschuk & Associates Ltd. Watari Youth, Family and Community Services Wellington Society Wings Housing Society Wishs Housing Co-operative Yaffa Housing Society Yaffa Housing Society Yaletown House Society YWCA Crabtree Housing Program YWCA Metro Vancouver - Munroe House YWCA Metro Vancouver - Semlin and Fraser Gardens Kettle Friendship Society 8

16 WE ARE HERE TO HELP AT An Affordable Housing Plan for BC An Affordable Housing Plan for BC is the first-ever publicly available provincial and regional plan for solving the affordable housing crisis. It quantifies the number of affordable rental homes that need to be built in the province, and outlines an income support plan for individuals and families struggling to pay rent. The provincial plan and regional breakouts can be found at Engaging with your candidate and in your community Sample letters and s for candidates Sample questions for candidates at your doorstep Sample questions for all-candidates meetings Detailed information on housing and affordability Housing Central has undertaken comprehensive research studies related to housing that provide evidence of the significant need to address affordability and create new housing units. The Canadian Rental Housing Index provides a detailed analysis of the affordability and suitability of rental housing for various income groups in more than 800 municipalities and regions across Canada. Based on 2011 census data, the index will be updated with 2016 data late in The index can be found at Our Home, Our Future: Projections of Rental Housing Demand and Core Housing Need is the first-ever publicly available provincial and regional projections of rental housing demand and core housing need for BC and its regional districts, looking ahead to the year The projections tell us what needs to be achieved and can be found at bcnpha-rental-demand-projections-to-2036 For further information on the BC provincial election, polling stations and dates and times for voting, please contact Elections BC toll-free electionsbc@elections.bc.ca 9