Housing Needs Report

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  no housing for youth

  by Victoria, almost 6 years ago

  One of my roles is a youth support worker. I work with many youth that have involvement with MCFD. Unfortunately because there are no available places to rent these youth fall thru the cracks even when they have a guaranteed income with a YAG. But they can not receive the YAG if they do not have a residence.

  One of my roles is a youth support worker. I work with many youth that have involvement with MCFD. Unfortunately because there are no available places to rent these youth fall thru the cracks even when they have a guaranteed income with a YAG. But they can not receive the YAG if they do not have a residence.
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  How can a community meet the housing needs of it's citizens when City Hall disregard the rules?

  by Carolina , almost 6 years ago

  We purchased our lots in Greenwood in 2015. The previous owner of the property was granted approval for a subdivision from a larger 1 acre property in 2012 creating two additional lots with the sewer line coming off an existing sewer main on the street at the front lot line. The property was listed as serviced. We were expecting the sewer to be made available; however the City of Greenwood refused to honor the approval and insisted on a different proposal with all sorts of unforeseen costs and other impacts. After putting a sewer in to the new location that... Continue reading

  We purchased our lots in Greenwood in 2015. The previous owner of the property was granted approval for a subdivision from a larger 1 acre property in 2012 creating two additional lots with the sewer line coming off an existing sewer main on the street at the front lot line. The property was listed as serviced. We were expecting the sewer to be made available; however the City of Greenwood refused to honor the approval and insisted on a different proposal with all sorts of unforeseen costs and other impacts. After putting a sewer in to the new location that the CAO insisted on, and after tracking down the subdivision file that City staff conveniently lost, to our horror, we discovered the location the sewer is now connected was rejected as part of the original subdivision approval because this location is in a flood plain and subject to annual flooding. We made several attempts in the last five years to deal with the city to resolve this unhealthy mess they created, but they refuse to speak with us, conduct a site visit, as well Council refused to meet with us to see what can be done to remedy the mess they created and insist we deal with the CAO who in turn refused to speak with us or provide any information. We are quite used to buck passing after five years of going to various provincial ministries to seek help with this mess. What we learned though this five year ordeal was that the Province supports local government's ability to make decisions in the best interest of the community, and municipalities are to ensure that their processes conform to principles of good practice and legal requirements. When a municipality fails to comply with basic due diligence standards, their is no mechanism in place to address such deficiencies. Because local governments are given so much autonomy, it is assumed due diligence will be exercise. When Council does not make themselves accountable or available to the citizens, or Council does not provide adequate oversight then there should be a mechanism for taxpayers when errors are made, or negligence or will misconduct occurs that impact on citizens health, safety as well as impacting on housing. Unfortunately, it would appear that there is no compliance enforcement on municipalities by provincial authorities, and there is no provincial appeal mechanism for local government decisions, whether legal or not legal. Citizens have no independent provincial body other than the Office of the Ombudsperson, or to make application to the Court to determine if the municipality is acting outside its statutory authority, or if it has complied with provincial legislation. Consumer protection should also apply to municipalities who do not adhere to matters of administrative fairness. We all pay in some way or another for the negligence of others in authority. Especially when the authority goes unchecked and unchallenged. It's been five years preparing the site, jumping through hoops and we anticipate that it will probably take a few more years before this matter is resolved and we are able to finally end up in our home. What I do know is, that if the City had not changed sewer location on the approved subdivision, we would be in our home by now, we would be hooked up to the proper sewer line and would not be dealing with a sewer that could pose a health risk and risk of backing up and flooding adjacent property owners. There is a reason why municipalities are not allowed to put sewers in places that are subject to annual flooding. When it comes to citizen's environmental health and correcting mistakes by City Staff, Greenwood unfortunately, receives a failing grade.
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  Need for FAmily Friendly Rentals

  by jessica, almost 6 years ago

  My story has two parts, avaiability and quality of the rental units in the area.

  I moved into a two bedroom for my son and I in 2016, he turned 1 in this home and we lived there until he turned 4. We were happy with our landlord but in 2020 she sold the house and we received a notice of eviction from our new landlord. At the time we had a dog and a cat so finding another two bedroom that would accept pets was tough but we did find one. We knew upon signing the lease that it... Continue reading

  My story has two parts, avaiability and quality of the rental units in the area.

  I moved into a two bedroom for my son and I in 2016, he turned 1 in this home and we lived there until he turned 4. We were happy with our landlord but in 2020 she sold the house and we received a notice of eviction from our new landlord. At the time we had a dog and a cat so finding another two bedroom that would accept pets was tough but we did find one. We knew upon signing the lease that it would be temporary and we would have to move again in 6-12 months but it suited us well and as I said, there wasnt much else to choose from so we took it. Moving my son around a lot was something I worried about as a single parent who may never be able to qualify for an adeqaute mortgage. I want to offer him confidence in the form of a consistent home. I am now looking daily for our next place and I have to look that frequently because of how quickly the well maintained and afforadable rentals are snatched up. I have seen countless posts on facebook groups and kijiji of people who need a place with a fast approaching deadline and I cannot imagine what they would have to do if they did not find one. Couch surf? Sleep in their car? Many of these people have children, children should not have to feel uncertain about housing - ever. It isnt that they can't afford rentals, although that is the case sometimes, it is just that they arent available. And even when they are it can be hard to prove you are the right family for the unit. Some folks dont have steady work, some have kids, some have pets, or all of the above, and that puts us in a less-than-desireable category with landlords. I understand why, I have helped people clean their rentals after bad tenants, but it means that the rest of us must fit outselves into this mold of perfection to put the property owners minds at ease. That simply isnt possible for families, they come in all shapes and sizes and with all kinds of baggage, and because of that we often end up in the rentals of landlords that care little for the unit as long as rent is paid. This means the unit is often dirty and has been poorly maintained in the past and will most likely continue during the tenancy. Utility bills are high because nothing in the unit is efficent or properly sealed. Again many of us are just happy to find something and we get by with what we get, and that may be okay for adults but the kids don't get a choice and depending on age many wont understand why they have to live in certain conditions or move frequently. I have seen so many rentals that were filthy, that clearly had not even had the basic maintenance between tenants, such as repainting and repairing. When the landlord puts no love into the unit neither does the tenant and then these units go down hill fast until the landlord decides to just sell it, therefore reducing the availability further. I'm not sure what can be done about the lack of rentals and their maintenance but I feel that especially for the children in these circumstances there needs to be a change. A clean, secure, maintained home that their parents can secure for years, not months, with a space for them to get fresh air and kick a ball. I don't think any of that should be a luxury that only a home owner can afford their family.
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  When the time comes to downsize

  by Marie, almost 6 years ago

  I live in a rural setting just outside of Trail. Most of my neighbours are retired and we are all enjoying the community at present. As we age, our homes and properties will become a burden that we may not be able to sustain. However, at present, there are no options for us to downsize. Ideally, purchasing a condo in downtown Trail would be the best solution so that we have homes that we still own but that require less upkeep and are within easy distance of all the services and amenities that independent seniors require. Unfortunately, there are no... Continue reading

  I live in a rural setting just outside of Trail. Most of my neighbours are retired and we are all enjoying the community at present. As we age, our homes and properties will become a burden that we may not be able to sustain. However, at present, there are no options for us to downsize. Ideally, purchasing a condo in downtown Trail would be the best solution so that we have homes that we still own but that require less upkeep and are within easy distance of all the services and amenities that independent seniors require. Unfortunately, there are no such types of accommodations in downtown Trail and yet there are seemingly abandoned buildings and building sites that could provide homes for families and seniors. Perhaps the government could look at creating stimulus for builders/contractors to develop more housing in Trail by offering tax and other financial incentives. In addition, current owners of buildings in the downtown core that have apartments above businesses could be encouraged through financial means to renovate and create spaces for families and others working downtown who prefer to rent. Once these homes are occupied and residents are paying property tax and stimulating the local economy of downtown businesses, the return on investment should be greater over time than the initial expense. Having a more vibrant city in the evening hours with more foot traffic could, over time, also encourage more tourism into the area which would further contribute to the economy.
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  Senior living in Grand Forks

  by Thelma Robb, almost 6 years ago

  We were living in our travel trailer during the 2018 flood and were forced to relocate. July 2018 my husband passed away and now it was just me living with a single oap/cpp income. Prior to December 2019 I had to have friends move my trailer as I had to relocate at least six times. I finally ended up living in the parking lot of the Grand Forks First Baptist church thanks to Pastor John Siemens. I was very happy to have power and sewer but I still had to pack water from the basement of the Church and I... Continue reading

  We were living in our travel trailer during the 2018 flood and were forced to relocate. July 2018 my husband passed away and now it was just me living with a single oap/cpp income. Prior to December 2019 I had to have friends move my trailer as I had to relocate at least six times. I finally ended up living in the parking lot of the Grand Forks First Baptist church thanks to Pastor John Siemens. I was very happy to have power and sewer but I still had to pack water from the basement of the Church and I was allowed to use the shower in the basement of the Church. A new pastor was installed and I felt very uncomfortable for the living arrangements to I sold the trailer and moved to Greenwood for four months. That move was not a good move as I still had to drive back and forth to Grand Forks. I was truly blessed that B.C. Housing built Raven Place at 6895 - 19 St and I was chosen to have an apartment in the complex. Monthly rental is based on your monthly income so my rent is $486.60 and the utilities are about $60.00/month which is very affordable. I have been a resident of Grand Forks for forty years and I am grateful to be home again. Life at Raven Place is very comfortable but I sincerely regret that they have allocated ten units (complete with all new furniture incl tv) for "second stage housing" with no rules being enforced by the Woman's Coalition. There is alcohol and drug abuse in most of the women chosen for the second stage housing and I (along with other residents) believe there should be mandatory drug testing for these residents.
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  Seniors living in Genelle.

  by Mrs. O, almost 6 years ago

  We moved to Genelle when we retired. We needed a one story home and were lucky to find one. The price was much higher than we expected. We do have fantastic neighbours and love the community. We are active volunteers and enjoy community events.

  I do find the cost of living to be very high with taxes and water/garbage service. Our road snow removal was not good last year. Our cul-de-sac was blocked for days.

  We came from a BC community that had great seniors discounts. We want to live independently and could use some financial breaks. Please offer seniors... Continue reading

  We moved to Genelle when we retired. We needed a one story home and were lucky to find one. The price was much higher than we expected. We do have fantastic neighbours and love the community. We are active volunteers and enjoy community events.

  I do find the cost of living to be very high with taxes and water/garbage service. Our road snow removal was not good last year. Our cul-de-sac was blocked for days.

  We came from a BC community that had great seniors discounts. We want to live independently and could use some financial breaks. Please offer seniors discounts to help us achieve that.
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  Living with a mental health disability in poverty

  by Rae-Lynne Dicks, almost 6 years ago

  I am very lucky to have found my home here in Grand Forks. I am in a good neighbourhood with nice neighbours and my suite is a reasonable size - meaning enough space for me and in reasonable condition. However, I am a person with a mental health disability; I have PTSD as a result of my years of service as a first responder. I have many triggers (audible) and therefore could not live comfortably within a standard BC Housing complex (too many people within a small area = conflicts, noise, and instability) or even within an apartment/condo building. I... Continue reading

  I am very lucky to have found my home here in Grand Forks. I am in a good neighbourhood with nice neighbours and my suite is a reasonable size - meaning enough space for me and in reasonable condition. However, I am a person with a mental health disability; I have PTSD as a result of my years of service as a first responder. I have many triggers (audible) and therefore could not live comfortably within a standard BC Housing complex (too many people within a small area = conflicts, noise, and instability) or even within an apartment/condo building. I currently receive only PWD benefits and what little I can earn working part-time in my home and for my landlord.
  
  Single people living alone do not qualify for the BC Housing Rental Subsidy, not even those of us who are disabled (which is wrong and should be corrected for disabled persons). This means that my only option to reduce my housing costs is to live in a BC Housing complex where my symptoms will be triggered on a regular basis = I will never be truly stable enough to work outside of my home. Living on just $1500/month is really difficult given the costs for utilities and maintaining my 22 year old car so that I can get groceries and once in awhile go visit friends/family. I regularly have to ask my family for financial help just to make my ends meet... without their help, I would be homeless.
  
  Our current provincial government conducted a huge study to find out what needs to be done to better the lives of persons with disabilities, I know this because I participated in it, and yet other than increasing PWD by a paltry $100/month nothing has been done that is a direct benefit to us all. Yes, they have spent many millions producing more housing and worked really hard to reduce homelessness and I agree these things needed to be done.. but what about the rest of us? It would be so easy to include disabled persons in the BC Housing Rental Subsidy program and doing so would immediately change our lives for the better... directly to those of us that are so affected in our current homes. It would also go a long ways towards reducing poverty in disabled persons all across our province. After all, just because we are disabled does not automatically mean that we are too stupid to manage our own financial household budgets does it? Do the disabled all have to move and pack ourselves into the tiny BC housing apartments that are being built.. live all together isolated from the general population like cattle in beef production organizations. We ought to be able to choose where we live without there being a difference in our budget... especially if it is for our own mental health.
  
  I apologize for ranting... I know it is not the RDKB's fault specifically, but yes... I am getting angry about the current status quo. Please help change it.
  
  
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  My children, without homes.

  by Jo White , almost 6 years ago

  During the past 5 years, living in the RDKB, my family and I have had a constant battle to find suitable, affordable, housing. The cost of rent does not reflect the incomes in this region. I believe the Region needs to put in place " Need to Reside" to keep our housing affordable. We have employment but due to rental costs, rental units being sold and no place to move to we have been forced to live in disgusting unkept units. Having to clean rat , mouse and many other critters droppings, to be able to move in, plus knee... Continue reading

  During the past 5 years, living in the RDKB, my family and I have had a constant battle to find suitable, affordable, housing. The cost of rent does not reflect the incomes in this region. I believe the Region needs to put in place " Need to Reside" to keep our housing affordable. We have employment but due to rental costs, rental units being sold and no place to move to we have been forced to live in disgusting unkept units. Having to clean rat , mouse and many other critters droppings, to be able to move in, plus knee high garbage and have had to pay $1000.00 to 1500.00 a month because we need housing for larger families. This "was" an older Community , things are changing, young people can not afford to live here with the wages here in the region vs the cost of living. Subsidized housing yes but integrated not segregated from the Community.

  My children are presently living in RVs because they cannot afford the rent and feed their children. They must move when the flood waters rise but at least they have a home, with a yard .