Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver Regional District engaged SHS to create a Regional Model of Inclusionary Housing. This initiative aimed to assess the current inclusionary housing policies and practices within the Metro Vancouver region and establish a framework for an inclusionary housing model to assist Metro Vancouver and its communities in achieving their goals for enhanced affordable housing options in the future.

Objective

The inclusionary housing model framework aims to provide a consistent approach for municipalities. It applies to those with existing policies while setting up a voluntary framework for those who need to establish inclusionary housing policies, allowing them to “opt in” and implement the tool most effectively.

Recommendations include a policy framework and phase-in approach, as well as considerations for unit set-aside rates, depth of affordability and affordability period, size and tenure of projects included in the scope of this policy, provisions for project incentives and opt-out considerations, and potential roles for the Metro Vancouver Housing Authority in the administration of units. Recommended reporting processes also consider Metro Vancouver’s role in monitoring and evaluating the inclusionary housing framework.

Activities

The inclusionary housing model framework was developed based on:

• A review of current inclusionary housing policies and practices in the region
• Consultation with key stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges presented by existing practices
• An in-depth review of best practices and case studies from other jurisdictions
• A fulsome economic feasibility analysis that explores how to balance the available land with the number of affordable units set aside and depth of affordability desired and taking into consideration of market conditions.