Eight new homes in one of Squamish's newest neighbourhoods are up for rent, for less than market prices.
The Squamish Community Housing Society (Housing Squamish), in partnership with Polygon Homes, the District of Squamish, and BC Housing, announced today that applications to rent the new affordable homes are now open.
The brand new units are located at 2050, 2052, 2054 Highline Mews, and 41225 Garibaldi Springs Way, in the Highline community at Garibaldi Springs.
BC Housing owns the four two-bedroom homes and four three-bedroom homes, which will be managed by Housing Squamish.
The eight homes were secured by the District of Squamish as a community contribution and constructed by Polygon Homes.
Stars, and values, align
Sarah Ellis, executive director of Housing Squamish, said these first official units on offer from the new housing authority are due to values aligning.
"It's an alignment of the District policies that required these units, Polygon, which built them and did such a good job, and then BC Housing which purchased them and then us who are operating them. So, you can kind of see all the links in the chain of what it takes to get these affordable units done," she said.
Applications are open as of today and successful locals can expect to move into their new homes in November.
Families will be prioritized in the application process, and applicants must live and work in Squamish for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
"It's important to us that families who are working in Squamish, and that earn a moderate income, are prioritized for these units. The District's Housing Needs Report that just came out last year identified the need for housing, basically across the continuum of households and family types, but really identified families as an area that is really being underserved, especially the housing of the size that they need," Ellis said.
To apply, there are also income requirements—households can't have a combined annual income of more than $134,000—and employment and asset verification requirements.
Ellis said she knows there can be pushback from area residents when affordable housing moves in, but she is confident the new homes are a win-win for the community.
"There's a lot of people who might have an idea in their mind when they think of below-market housing, but really what we know about the folks who need housing in this community, is there are folks who are working good jobs, earning reasonable incomes, but who are still having to make pretty serious compromises and trade-offs to make it work," she said. "I think these are great community members who are just going to add to the community. So we're really excited to be good neighbours."
Affordable housing ‘critical’
Mayor Armand Hurford said in a news release about the units that housing affordability has been a key focus of the District for 10 years.
"We know that providing affordable housing is critical to ensuring our community stays vibrant, diverse and with the workforce we need to continue to support a thriving local economy,” he said. “We acknowledge there is still work to do. However, this is a significant step forward, and through continued support from the development community, BC Housing and Housing Squamish we are well-positioned to realize additional affordable units going forward."
Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon, said in the release his NDP government, which is up for election this fall, will continue to support more housing like this.
"Having safe, affordable housing will make a huge difference in the lives of eight Squamish families who will live here," Kahlon said, in the release.
“We'll continue to deliver homes just like these across B.C. through the Homes for People plan."
More information on applying
Other things to note about the application process for the eight homes:
- All eligible applicants will be entered into a lottery.
- On Sept. 3, Housing Squamish will use randomization software to randomly assign all applicants a number, which will establish a priority order.
- During the second week of September, applicants will be informed of their listing number on the list and the first eight will be asked to complete income, employment and asset verification.
"It is important that no one provide notice at their current home until they have an official housing offer and rental agreement with Housing Squamish," the release states.
All new residents will have 30 days prior notice before their move-in date.
Ellis said the society has much more to offer the community, with an announcement of more local housing expected this fall.
Applications can be found on the Housing Squamish webiste.
Join the local board?
The Squamish Community Housing Society was incorporated in 2021, the board came together in 2022, and Ellis was appointed executive director about a year ago, in 2023.
The society has two vacancies on its 12-person board.
Applications for positions are open through the middle of the month.
The society is looking in particular for an accountant or person with a legal background and someone with a development background.
Find out more on the society’s website.
