The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is developing a Regional Housing Strategy (RHS) to explore tools and actions that can address housing issues, needs and gaps throughout the Central Okanagan. The goal is to develop a coordinated regional approach to address challenges around affordability, supply, and supportive housing across the region.
Residents from all areas of the region are invited to participate by completing an online community survey. They’re encouraged to share their experiences with housing in the region and provide input on housing needs and objectives that will guide development of the strategy.
The survey is available at rdco.com/housing until February 28. To better understand residents’ needs, the survey also includes questions relating to the RDCO’s Central Okanagan Poverty and Wellness Strategy (COPAWS).
The RHS will be developed as a partnership focusing on the entire regional district, to identify a range of actions at the local level specific to market and non-market housing. The strategy includes the two electoral areas, District of Peachland, City of West Kelowna, City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, Westbank First Nation, and Okanagan Indian Band.
“The Central Okanagan is one of the fastest growing regions in the province. Housing gaps exist because of a lack of suitable and affordable housing to meet local needs. Factors affecting this include high construction costs, aging housing, historically low rental vacancy rates, short-stay accommodations, an increase in demand, and a growing gap between what households can afford and the average cost of renting or home ownership,” says RDCO Community Services Director Todd Cashin. “At the same time, other factors such as an ageing population, the COVID-19 pandemic, and inflation have amplified the need for additional market and non-market housing.”
Collaborative effort is required throughout all levels of government, the housing industry, community groups, and organizations to confront challenges within the region. Taking this regional perspective will ensure that individual communities are working in unison to improve the range of housing opportunities to meet the social and economic needs of the region. The strategy is intended to establish a shared commitment, pool resources for more impact, gain momentum for collective action and advocacy, and promote the advancement of partnerships.
For more information on the Regional Housing Strategy or to get involved in its development, visit rdco.com/housing.