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WCEL
> Issues > Urban Growth and
Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part
5 > Support Non-Market Housing
Smart Bylaws Guide – Part 5 – Support Non-Market Housing
A cornerstone of smart growth is to integrate affordable and
non-market housing into all neighbourhoods. The objective is
to diversify and stabilize the social fabric of a community and to
ensure that all children have access to the services and
neighbourhood amenities that best serve their early development.
These amenities include parks, public libraries, public
transportation, and safe, affordable housing.
Numerous
studies in the US and Canada have found that non-market housing
located in single family neighbourhoods does not decrease property
values. A ten-year study in seven BC communities showed that social
housing projects had no negative effect on the sale price of single
family detached homes. In all cases, average sale prices had
increased substantially since the non-market homes were constructed
(see Impact
of Non-Market Housing on Property Values).
Municipalities have supported the development of non-market
housing by:
- Requiring
non-market housing as part of rezoning, comprehensive
development and density
bonusing (secured with a housing
agreement);
- donating
staff time and services;
- donating
land;
- providing
long-term leases on municipal land; and
- decreasing
parking requirements.
For
example, the City of Victoria sold land being used as a City parkade
exit for $1 to the Cool Aid Housing Society for
Mike
Gidora Place. In return, the Society provided a three-metre
easement to the City for a smaller exit. The City also waived
the 31.5 parking space requirement as the building houses low-income
urban singles who do not own cars.
Examples of Non Market Housing Programs in BC Municipalities
For More Information
Organizations
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