MattersHousingFirst seen Jan 10, 2022Last discussed May 6, 2024
Attainable home ownership program
AdoptedThe program helps eligible residents buy new homes by contributing toward their down payments, with purchase-price limits and resale restrictions. The policy also requires some larger new developments to offer homes through the program or provide a cash alternative.
Where it stands: Policy adopted as amended May 6, 2024.
Background
Earlier and later steps of the same initiative.
Timeline
Every time this matter appeared in council records, newest first.
Policy amended to expand eligibility and address rental housing
Council approved amendments to the Attainable Home Ownership Program Policy and directed staff to prepare further amendments addressing purpose-built rental requirements.
Decision: Referred the Attainable Housing program discussion to Committee of the Whole.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Approved the Attainable Home Ownership policy as amended and directed staff to draft rental requirements.
Passed 7–0
Decision: Amended the policy to require a minimum three-person household for three-bedroom units.
Passed 5–2· Against: Scott Goodmanson, Lillian Szpak
Decision: Amended the policy to include health care employees as eligible applicants.
Passed
Decision: Extended the meeting until 11:30 p.m. or end of business.
Passed
- Tanya Sunshine (Langvista Drive)Concerned · Attainable housing
Urges a review of the attainable housing program and suggests partnering with housing organizations or directing funds toward permanently affordable cooperative or rental housing. - Bernadette Armstrong (Rodney Road)Mixed · Accessible trails and attainable housing
Requests accessible trails and Langford residency and employment criteria for attainable housing applicants from outside the city. - Michael SunshineMixed · Housing, Hydro, trolleys, and wildfire funding
Opposes the attainable housing policy as drafted, praises the Hydro line relocation, suggests repurposing trolleys, and urges wildfire prevention funding. - Wendy Hobbes (Luxton Road)Supports · Committee terms of reference
Supports opening committees to new applicants, saying long-serving members limited opportunities for other residents. - Siena Geary (Bear Mountain Parkway)Mixed · Fire services and trolleys
Supports more funding for wildfire and municipal fire services, then supports selling the trolleys after reviewing their feasibility. - Malcolm McNaughton (Gannett Court)Supports · Attainable housing
Supports the attainable housing program as an economical rental tool, welcoming broader residency criteria and future discussion of rental policy. - Sarah Plank (Goldstream Avenue)Mixed · Housing, Hydro, trolleys, and committees
Urges housing support for lower-income residents, asks for Hydro cost transparency, favors preserving public trolley uses, and supports the interim committee structure.
- Tanya Sunshine (Langvista Drive)Concerned · Attainable housing
Policy extended to rezoning applications for taller buildings
Council approved amendments to the Attainable Home Ownership Program Policy, including applying Section 3(b) to rezoning applications that create buildings over four storeys.
Decision: Approved amendments to Attainable Home Ownership Policy, applying Section 3(b) to buildings over four storeys.
Passed
Staff present a program to expand access to home ownership
Consideration of the Attainable Home Ownership Program policy and program details.