District of North Saanich Housing Needs Reports
Overview
BC Government Housing Needs Reports (HNRs) are a way for communities to better understand their current and future housing needs. These reports can help identify existing and projected gaps in housing supply by collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative information about local demographics, economics, housing stock, and other factors.
In 2020, the District of North Saanich partnered with the Capital Regional District (CRD) and other member municipalities to undertake a regional approach to Housing Needs Reports.
Recent legislative amendments require municipalities and regional districts to prepare Interim Housing Needs Reports by January 1, 2025, using the HNR Method to identify the 5- and 20-year housing need in their communities.
Municipalities must then update their official community plans and zoning bylaws by December 31, 2025, to accommodate the number of units identified. The first regular Housing Needs Reports are required to be completed by December 31, 2028, and every five years thereafter.
Next Steps
The Housing Needs Assessment Reports will be used to help shape the Official Community Plan (OCP) update.
Background
Affordable Housing Strategy and Policy
Although very informative, the Affordable Housing Strategy and Policy developed by the District in 2018 does not meet the criteria of the Local Government Act (s.585) requirements for Housing Needs Reports. The strategy will help inform the OCP review process.
