Greg Halseth and Marleen Morris Co-Directors Housing Needs in Prince George: An Opportunity for Community Growth and Revitalization unbc.ca/community-development-institute

Study Methodology Population Housing Stock Housing Opportunity:  Revitalization  Innovation and Partnerships Success Stories Presentation Outline

Study Methodology

Objectives: Understand current housing need and demand Forecast future housing need and demand Develop options for future housing development  Including discussion of neighbourhood and housing sustainability Study Objectives

Goals: A robust and diverse housing supply  That meets needs, and provides options, for the full range of residents A platform for dialogue that positions all segments within the housing sector to take advantage of opportunities as they arise A housing supply that aligns with economic growth and diversification opportunities Action on the delivery of options identified Study Goals

Study Participants Interview Respondents SectorNumber 1. Community organizations 2 2. Education 2 3. Health 1 4. Housing related enterprises15 5. Providers of housing or related services Local/provincial government 5 7. New labour force need and demand 2 Total41

Population

Population change between 2001 and 2011: Seniors  80+ years: increased by 71% (765 people)  years: increased by 51% (2,840 people)  Majority live in East Bowl, West Bowl, and North of Nechako  Seniors population expected to double in the next 20 years Working Age  years: increased by 32%  years: decreased by 15%  years: decreased by 8% School Age  0-15 years: decreased by 16% Age

Household change between 2001 and 2011  Total number of households increased by 6%  Increase in one- and two-person households  Decrease in all larger households Median income: $56,761  One-person: $30,667 Average income: $64,305  One-person: $20,295 Households

Housing Stock

Total number of dwellings: 29,261  62% are single-detached homes o Many single-detached homes are split-level design  14% are apartments (< five storeys)  Growth in apartments, duplexes Over 65% were constructed before 1980 Dwelling Types

70% own their homes  Highest number of owned dwellings in West Bowl, North of Nechako, and East Bowl 30% rent their homes  Highest number of rental units in East Bowl, West Bowl, and North of Nechako Average rents go from $553 for a bachelor to $862 for a three-bedroom Tenure

Total number of non-market housing units: 998 Assisted living: 95 units Complex care: 363 beds Non-Market Housing

Housing stock and residents are oldest and homeownership is highest in the same three neighbourhoods:  East Bowl, West Bowl, North of Nechako These neighbourhoods also contain the highest number of dwelling units Summary

Housing Opportunity: Revitalization

Indicators of neighbourhood transformation Population aging Households shrinking  Empty nesters  Smaller families Housing stock is old  Designed for large families Mismatch between housing stock and housing demand Neighbourhoods Are Transforming

Revitalized neighbourhoods include:  Housing that is sized and suited to today’s smaller households (families and seniors)  Accessible housing for seniors in their existing neighbourhoods  Use existing infrastructure o Reduced development and ongoing maintenance costs More housing through increased density  Additional tax revenue and investment possibilities Revitalized Neighbourhoods

Renovate existing housing:  Update for smaller families  Potential for secondary suites  Not well-suited for seniors accessibility (split-level design) Build new housing:  Smaller houses on smaller lots for families  Accessible market housing for seniors on smaller lots  New models such as pocket neighbourhoods Revitalization Opportunities

Housing Opportunity: Innovation and Partnerships

Indicators of the need for innovation: Cost of building and maintaining municipal infrastructure Continued volatility in the economy and uncertain population growth Lack of senior government funding for affordable housing Growing need for housing and home care services Need for Innovation

Housing that meets the needs of the population Vibrant, renewed neighbourhoods Increased municipal revenues Opportunities for new municipal investments  Affordable housing, amenities, services Affordable housing for those in need Innovation Outcomes

Establish a housing committee, including:  Development industry  Real estate industry  Non-profit housing providers  Provincial and federal housing agencies  Residential property management sector  Financial institutions Support pilot projects to showcase new housing models to the public Innovation Opportunities

Establish incentives to foster desired innovation and housing models Contemplate the cost of not innovating, but maintaining the status quo Innovation Opportunities

Success Stories

Opportunity for innovation: Senior levels of government have changed their models of funding support  “Full-subsidy” programs no longer exist  Expectation that local governments and non-profit housing providers will provide a financial contribution to projects o Making land available is the most common financial contribution Mixed market and non-market housing projects are becoming the norm Success Stories: Affordable Housing

Harmony Housing, Abbotsford Eleven 2 and 3 bedroom townhouse units “Finishable” area to create a bachelor suite as a mortgage helper Affordable to families earning less than $60,000 Land provided by the City of Abbotsford at 20% of market value  Also relaxed parking requirements and waived some fees Success Stories: Affordable Housing

Opportunity for innovation: Opportunity to increase property tax revenue without raising taxes No need for additional municipal infrastructure  Older neighbourhoods where housing stock is at the end of its economic life  Housing stock that no longer matches housing demand Success Stories: Community Revitalization

Number of Units Original Number of Units Post- Redevelopment Assessed Value Original Assessed Value Post- Redevelopment 12$1,339,300$1,975,000 26$3,008,000$4,712, $5,528,000$10,064, $11,160,000$36,859,000

For further information please visit our website at: Greg Halseth Marleen Morris Co-Director