The availability of affordable housing for current and future residents is essential for creating an inclusive community. The City's various affordable housing policies have been developed over several decades in support of seniors housing, non-market (social) housing, co-operative housing, rental housing and lower cost market housing.
To facilitate affordable housing development, the City works in partnership with senior governments, the non-profit and development sectors, as well as the community. The City also uses its own resources, such as the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund, to support affordable housing projects when appropriate.
Mid-Market Rental
Mid-Market Rental (MMR) Policy: The updated Mid-Market Rental Policy was adopted by Council on July 25, 2022. The policy document outlines the expectations of the Mid-Market Rental Policy and includes updates to the eligibility criteria for tenant selection.
To facilitate affordability in new market rental developments, the Housing Action Plan requires the provision of Mid-Market Rental (MMR) units in all new market rental developments seeking a density bonus. Mid-Market Rental units are geared towards low and moderate income renters and secured through the City’s Density Bonus and Community Benefits policy.
The policy requires that 10% of units in new market rental projects are rented at 10% below average rents in the City, as calculated by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Based on the CMHC 2023 Rental Market Survey, MMR units rented in 2024 are to be rented at the following rents:
| Unit Size |
2023 CMHC Average Rent for CNV |
2024 MMR Rent Level |
Household Income Limit |
|
Studio
|
$1,397
|
$1,257
|
$50,292
|
|
1 Bedroom
|
$1,722
|
$1,550
|
$61,992
|
|
2 Bedroom
|
$2,192
|
$1,973
|
$78,912
|
|
3+ Bedroom
|
$2,950
|
$2,655
|
$106,200
|
MMR units are secured by Housing Agreement and administered by the rental building owner. Learn more in the Mid-Market Rental Policy.
Seniors Housing
The aging population is expected to grow significantly over the next several years. To promote wellbeing and independence among older residents in the community, the City is focused on seniors' issues of housing, accessibility and quality of life, and on developing policies to provide seniors with the means to live full and complete lives.
Through collaborations with seniors' organizations and with input from local seniors, the City works to:
- Establish suitable locations for seniors' residential projects
- Ensure that residential design will accommodate changing abilities
- Set standards for accessibility
Senior Care Facilities
There are also several regional and privately operated residential care facilities available on the North Shore administered by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.
Independent Living BC
The Province of British Columbia provides subsidized assisted living for seniors, through the Independent Living BC program. Subsidized assisted living units offer a middle option to bridge the gap between home care and residential care for those who need some assistance, but don't want or need 24-hour professional nursing care.
Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA)
The Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (BC RAHA) program provides financial assistance to help eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities in British Columbia to continue to live in the comfort of their home.
Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
The Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program helps make rents affordable for BC seniors with low to moderate incomes. SAFER provides monthly cash payments to subsidize rents for eligible BC residents who are age 60 or over and who pay rent for their homes.
Better at Home
The North Shore Better at Home program is a non-profit service which supports the independence of local seniors by providing them with several basic, non-medical services to help them remain in their homes. Vancouver Coastal Health also offers home and community care services.
Property Tax Deferment Program
The Provincial Government has a low interest loan program that allows you to defer paying all or part of your property taxes on your principal residence if you are 55 or older, a surviving spouse of any age or a person with disabilities. Find out if you qualify on the British Columbia Ministry of Finance website.
Related Information
Non-Market Housing
An overview of the non-market housing projects currently found in the City are available in the City's Non-Market Housing Projects document. These projects were facilitated by City land, funding, density bonusing or other forms of municipal support. Most of these projects are managed by a not-for-profit housing operator and receive some funding help from senior levels of government.
The BC Housing website provides listings of subsidized housing options in the province, including for the City. To learn more about these options, as well as how to apply, visit www.bchousing.org.
Resources
North Shore Solutions Navigators
The City has partnered with the North Shore Neighbourhood House to create a Solutions Navigator position to help those in need access community resources and support on the North Shore. The Navigators provide support to folks cycling out of poverty on matters ranging from housing, mental health, childcare, settlement services, and more.
Meeting with the Navigators is free and can take place in person, over video call, or over the phone, whichever works best for you. Learn more on their website at www.nsnh.bc.ca or check out the poster. To book an appointment, please email navigator@nsnh.bc.ca.
Find Mid-Market Rental Units
Click an icon on the map to find where mid-market rental units are located in the City.
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