Gabriola Island residents are urged to take part in a community forum on affordable housing next month.
Gabriola’s People For a Healthy Community has planned the event for Jan. 14.
“This is the date PHC will be hosting a community forum as part of developing specific, concrete initiatives for expanding affordable housing for local residents,” said Charlie Cheffins, chair of the PHC board.
The group will report on a recent housing survey done in partnership with the Gabriola Housing Task Force.
It will also be seeking input from current residents of Gabriola including builders, landowners, and people who have specific housing needs that may not have been included in earlier needs assessment processes.
The place, time and details of the forum will be announced early in the New Year.
“The research and needs assessments have been done.” said Cheffins. “We know that between 2001 and 2008 housing prices on Gabriola almost tripled. And we know that 66 per cent of renters are spending too much of their income on housing, leaving little for other key needs. It’s time to meet the housing needs we know exist.”