SIDNEY, B.C. – Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, says he is supporting the appointment of a new provincial housing advisor in North Saanich by hosting an affordable housing forum in February to hear directly from residents affected by housing decisions:
“North Saanich urgently needs affordable housing, and I hope the special advisor delivers real results. I’m encouraged by the municipality’s willingness to work with the province to increase housing supply. This advisor creates an opportunity for faster input and better outcomes—but it must deliver. This kind of government-to-government work should have happened before Bill 44.”
“North Saanich is a major employment hub for workers, but far too many people have to commute from neighbouring or distant communities to find an affordable roof over their head. A larger affordable housing supply in my riding will result in less traffic on the Patricia Bay Highway, fewer emissions, and a better quality of life for my constituents.”
“Most importantly, we need to hear firsthand from the local community members, especially those who work in North Saanich and Sidney, to ensure we understand what truly affordable housing means for them. More $3-million homes are not the answer.”
Botterell pointed to federal crown lands near Victoria International Airport (YYJ) as a major opportunity.
“The federal airport lands at YYJ could play a critical role in delivering affordable housing for local workers in a manner that respects the environment and community plans. People working at the airport, the Amazon warehouse, Thrifty Foods, BC Ferries and the many businesses in North Saanich and Sidney are rarely reflected in housing policy decisions—but they should be. I’ve been assured by the Minister of Housing that the new advisor will seriously consider the YYJ lands.”
Botterell said seniors are also being left behind in the local housing conversation.
“Many seniors in my riding are paying more than half of their fixed incomes on their housing. Reverse mortgages can only go so far. The problem needs to be addressed by supplying affordable seniors housing.”
Through the CARGA agreement with the NDP, the BC Greens pushed the government to commit to 30,000 affordable housing units across the province in the next four years
“Affordability has to be part of the solution—not an afterthought,” said Botterell.
To those directly affected by housing decisions in North Saanich, MLA Rob Botterell is inviting you to make your voice heard in the early evening of February 19 at the Mary Winspear Centre (2243 Beacon Avenue) in Sidney for a public forum on affordable housing.
More details will be shared closer to the date.
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