Work Plan Implementation
The Affordable Housing Working Group (AHWG) was established by Council in December 2007 to implement an affordable housing work plan described in its terms of reference. As the successor to the community-initiated Affordable Housing Strategy Committee of the Bowen Community Housing Association, the AHWG was intended to operate as an interim housing organization while laying the groundwork for a municipal housing corporation. Council provided a budget of $35,000 for the services of affordable housing consultant Tim Wake and for an information campaign to build awareness of the housing initiatives. Meetings were held at the call of the chair.
The AHWG presented its final report to Bowen Island Municipal Council on February 27, 2012, including eight recommendations which were adopted by Council.
The AHWG completed the following work during its operation:
1. Affordable Housing Units Program – below-market, price-restricted units for purchase to be produced with every rezoning on the island. This program is now in operation.
- Municipal Affordable Housing Policy #08-03 to secure 15 percent of the Gross Floor Area in all rezonings as Affordable Housing adopted by Council.
- Covenants to be registered on units of Affordable Housing for purchase and rental under Policy #08-03 developed and adopted by Council subject to the creation of the BIHC.
- Criteria to qualify individuals for affordable housing opportunities generated under Affordable Housing Policy #08-03 approved by Council.
- Waitlist for affordable housing ownership units created, including interim administrative system.
- Communications/information plan executed to educate the community about the Affordable Housing Strategy Initiatives and to build the waitlist.
2. Bowen Island Housing Corporation (BIHC)
- Articles of incorporation for the BIHC drafted and reviewed with legal counsel
- Organizational framework for the BIHC developed
- Incorporation and initial work plan underway
Affordable Housing Working Group Members (2011)
§ Elizabeth Ballantyne (Chair)
§ Brian Hodgins
§ Bruce Howlett
§ Gordon Reid (BCHA liaison)
3 members left the AHWG due to moving off-island or conflict of interest:
§ Sara Baker
§ Morganne Keplar
§ Faye White
Consultant
§ Tim Wake
Council Liaison
§ Alison Morse
Staff Liaison
Staff support was provided in the initial period of the work of the AHWG by the Planning Department and by the CAO.
Council Reports
Information Articles Published in the Undercurrent Fall, 2008
Links to External AHWG Websites:
§ Affordable Housing Working Group Legacy
§ Affordable Housing Ownership Program
§ Bowen Island Housing Corporation
Minutes:
2008
| February 5, 2008 |
April 15, 2008 |
| May 14, 2008 |
June 9, 2008 |
| June 25, 2008 |
July 8, 2008 |
| September 2, 2008 |
September 8, 2008 |
| October 29, 2008 |
November 19, 2008 |
| December 4, 2008 |
February 11, 2008 |
2009
2010
2011
2012
