Recognizing the power of local government to lead positive social change, the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria has produced a comprehensive toolkit that outlines "every tool in the municipal toolbox" to accelerate housing solutions at the local level.
Canada’s affordable housing crisis has been years in the making and is now one of the most influential indicators of poverty. More than ever before, construction of safe, accessible, affordable, suitable housing in any community requires an ‘all hands on deck’ approach. While all levels of government as well as community partners have important roles in addressing this complex social issue, local governments – large and small – have a wide variety of tools within their jurisdiction and a high degree of influence to accelerate housing solutions.
Recognizing the power of local government to lead positive social change, the Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria has produced a comprehensive toolkit that outlines “every tool in the municipal toolbox” to accelerate housing solutions at the local level.
The toolkit acknowledges the power and ability of local governments to implement positive long-term change and influence the trajectory of the housing crisis in communities. There is recognition that activating this power is both a choice and a challenge. There is also recognition that exclusionary local government policies can impede progress or perpetrate inequities. While there are many good examples of local governments leading this important work in one way or another, now more than ever before a comprehensive – rather than piecemeal – approach is needed.
It is by combining municipal tools with innovation, leadership and community partnerships that sets the stage for change.
Early in 2023, the City of Revelstoke received $500,000 funding from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program – Forest Impact Transition (REDIP-FIT) for infrastructure development to support affordable housing. As Revelstoke transitions from a forestry-based economy, the project forges a direct connection between affordable housing and economic development, recognizing that “access to affordable housing is the single biggest barrier right now to a sustainable economy”. The funding enabled the City of Revelstoke to contribute $100,000 to the Revelstoke Community Housing Society to support project development and capacity-building. A portion of the funding will also go towards master and site planning, as well as initial site servicing of municipal lands earmarked for affordable housing.
Source: https://www.revelstoke.ca/DocumentCenter/View/9595/CORP-RCHS-REDIP-funding-announcement-2023-04-03
Following a recommendation in the End Poverty Edmonton Road Map and founded by key partners, the Edmonton Community Development Company (ECDC) launched in 2017 to support “neighbourhoods that face unique challenges through the development of commercial and residential real estate.” ECDC priorities include five pillars:
The City of Edmonton’s role in kickstarting ECDC was pivotal. City Council and Administration supported the concept, provided funds to complete a business case, start-up funds, five years of operational funding, and agreed to provide surplus lands for development or sale – ensuring ECDC was financially feasible. Today, ECDC is an independent social enterprise working in four neighbourhood communities, with numerous new homes completed, more nearing completion and several other properties ready for development. Neighbourhood vibrancy and housing options are identified as a priorities in the City of Edmonton’s 10 year Strategic Plan.
This blog is part of a series – ‘Local Government Levers’ – exploring the social role of local government.
BLOG | Local Government Levers: Reconciliation and Poverty Reduction
BLOG | City of Delta Promotes Social Role of Local Government
GUIDE | 10 Ways Local Government Can Propel Positive Social Change
WEBINAR | Local Government Contribution: A Gamechanger for Positive Social Change