The B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) held a regional education networking and tradeshow event in the Comox Valley on April 12, at the Crown Isle Resort in Courtenay.
Over 150 people involved in the housing sector in B.C. attended the one-day event, which included lecture presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. A plenary session with local housing advocates was also included.
“We’re gathered with non-profit housing providers, with municipalities and other key stakeholders in the affordable housing sector to address housing affordability in the region,” said Jill Atkey, the acting chief executive officer of the BCNPHA. “We’re looking at developing partnerships, and at education [pieces] for nonprofit housing providers to be able to maintain their existing buildings and look at developing new housing opportunities in the region.”
Video by Scott Strasser
The day’s discussions centered around the affordable housing issue in B.C. with a regional focus.
One locally-focused lecture centered on housing issues on the Gulf Islands. Denman Housing Association president Simon Palmer spoke about the Denman Green project — an affordable housing initiative that, once approved, will “create a series of residential clusters of affordable rental units” on Denman Island.
“We like to bring our events into regions specifically. That’s where we can best reach frontline staff who work in affordable housing and provide training to them,” said Atkey. “But it also allows us to understand the issues specific to this region.
“Every region has its own challenges with affordable housing and their own opportunities they can seize to make new affordable housing projects get developed.”