RDBN-HOU-2021 - Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Electoral Area Housing Need

The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) consists of eight member municipalities (Town of Smithers, Village of Telkwa, District of Houston, Village of Granisle, Village of Burns Lake, Village of Fraser Lake, District of Fort St. James, and the District of Vanderhoof) and seven Electoral Areas (Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, and G).

The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako is seeking Proposals from qualified firms for the provision of a Housing Needs Report for each of its 7 electoral areas. Proponents are expected to demonstrate the ability to efficiently and effectively achieve the following:
a. develop Housing Needs Reports that satisfy the requirements of the Local Government Statutes (Housing Needs Reports) Amendment Act, 2018 and Housing Needs Reports Regulation (B.C. Reg. 90/2019);
b. undertake an engagement process with rural residents and stakeholders;
c. assess the RDBN's housing issues in a comprehensive manner;
d. and, present information in a manner that can be used to inform the refinement of the RDBN's housing related policy.

The region's housing supply consists primarily of owner-occupied single-family dwellings that were built more than 30 years ago. The region needs to diversify its housing stock to include a wide range of housing types, including assisted living and supportive housing, market and non-market rental housing, and new single-family housing. The limited availability of housing is a factor in retaining existing and attracting new residents. This is key to our future economic sustainability and the region's ability to grow and attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals. The RDBN is interested in identifying the region's housing needs and the practical actions that can be taken to address these issues with member municipalities in a coordinated, proactive, and sustainable manner.