April 3, 2019
Prince George, B.C., April 3, 2019 – For immediate release
Northern Development Initiative Trust today announced a suite of Housing Programs that will support local governments in the creation of new, market-based housing units across Northern B.C.
The Housing Needs Assessment Program, the Community Planning for Housing Program and the Northern Housing Incentive Program are designed as a step-by-step process that will assist local governments in all aspects of new residential development.
These programs are only available to communities within Northern Development’s service region.
Housing Needs Assessment Program
This program provides one-time grant funding to local governments for the development of a comprehensive housing needs assessment that covers the entire community and meets the requirements of the Local Government Statutes (Housing Needs Reports) Amendment Act.
Up to $200,000 will be accessible on a yearly basis between 2019 and 2021, with one-time funding available to eligible local governments up to $10,000 to a maximum of 50 per cent of the project budget. Without a Housing Needs Report, it will be difficult for communities to take advantage of housing grant program. Access to these funds will help to offset the cost of completing that report.
Funding applications for this program will be accepted on an on-going basis until the program allotment has been committed.
Community Planning for Housing Program
This program provides grant funding for municipalities and regional districts to assist with the cost of hiring a contract staff position to assess, and support the development of, the community’s housing needs over a 12-month period.
The Trust commits to one placement per regional development area for a total of $160,000 annually, with local governments eligible to receive up to $40,000 from Northern Development to assist with the cost of the hire. The host community is required to provide at least $10,000 toward a minimum base salary of $50,000, including statutory benefits and vacation days or pay.
Preference will be given to collaborative applications where multiple communities have equal access to the planner.
Program applications must be submitted by midnight on May 10, 2019 to be eligible for funding consideration.
Northern Housing Incentive Program
This program provides grant funding to local governments to create a “Dollars to the Door” program by incentivizing private sector housing developments. Local governments are eligible to receive a grant up to $10,000 per dwelling, created in a multi-unit housing project to a maximum contribution of $200,000.
In late 2017, Northern Development partnered with the City of Prince George to expand the City’s Multi-Family Housing Incentives Program, which is very similar to this newly announced initiative.
Applications for this program will be received on a quarterly basis, with intake dates available on Northern Development’s website.
Quotes:
Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust
Northern Development recognizes the need for increased housing options throughout the communities in Northern B.C. as a way to retain seniors, attract workforce and in turn, increase business and employment opportunities. The mission of the Trust has always been to secure economic success in our region and these new programs offer one more option for communities to achieve that success.
Tom Hoffman, Acting Chair, Northern Development Initiative Trust
Communities throughout Northern B.C. have identified a real need for new housing developments and through these programs, local governments can seize the opportunity to grow their population and their economy. The Board is very pleased to support this type of initiative which supports development and sustainability.
Holly Plato
Director of Communications and Marketing
Northern Development Initiative Trust
250-561-2525
hollyp@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
