Fall engagement project complete – early results are in
As many of you will know, since 2018 Salt Spring Solutions has been deeply immersed in understanding the complexities of and finding solutions to the island’s housing crisis. We’re dedicated to balancing environmental protection with creating a vibrant, diverse, and equitable community.
Right now, Salt Spring is neither diverse nor equitable. Our population is ageing, and it is increasingly difficult for younger community members to stay here, raise a family, work for or own a business, farm, or create art because they can’t afford to rent or own suitable, long-term housing.
Our 2023 report, Homes for Islanders, was designed as a starting point to address housing inequities while fostering community resilience and environmental stewardship on Salt Spring. However, a year after publication, with little to no government response, we turned to Salt Spring’s community to gather feedback on our ideas. We wanted to know if the solutions proposed in the report makes sense to the people throughout our community, especially those who are often too busy or missed in traditional consultation practices, including renters, local workers, and equity-deserving communities. You may have seen our ads on social media or in the Salt Spring Exchange when we were recruiting participants:
Who did we talk to?
In order to reach as wide a range of community members as possible, we took three different approaches: focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and a community-wide online survey.
Focus Groups: We hosted seven focus groups with 42 participants; renters of all ages and means, local employers, people in precarious housing, and the local workforce.
Interviews: We also interviewed 12 local housing providers: landlords of legal and illegal housing, as well as those who have or would like to build housing for other islanders. Offering a confidential one-on-one interview allowed people to be candid, delivering valuable context and insights into the rental market on Salt Spring.
Online Survey: We cast a wide net with an online survey open to the whole community. Of the 657 people who responded, 67 percent are homeowners. The survey ensured that the whole community could share their perspectives, helping to create a truly comprehensive understanding of public opinion on housing across the island.
And the (preliminary) takeaways
Early analysis of the online survey results provides some key takeaways that are significant for decision-makers:
There was significant community support for ensuring that services, particularly water, are prioritized for rental and non-market housing. This reflects an understanding of the need to safeguard essential resources to support the development of affordable housing while considering the island’s sustainability.
There was concurrently strong support for pre-zoning land in Ganges for housing. This indicates that our community is in favour of planning ahead to ensure adequate housing land is available in the most suitable areas, particularly near the village to reduce sprawl, support walkability and provide more social connection.
Where do you think accessory dwelling units should be encouraged on Salt Spring Island?
87% of the online survey respondents supported allowing accessory dwelling units. 61% support allowing them across the island, 12% favour concentrating ADUs near Ganges Village, and 14% suggest focusing them along major roads. Only 7% oppose ADUs altogether.
See the upcoming piece in the January 1 issue of the Driftwood for more first results. The full results of our engagement program will be released in the new year and we will be sure to let you know about it.
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Our heartfelt thanks to Leigh Large and Robert Steinbach at Country Grocer for sponsoring our focus groups. Without their assistance, reaching all of the important segments of our community would not have been possible
Connecting the Southern Gulf Islands Housing Discussion
Salt Spring Solutions also hosts the Southern Gulf Islands (SGI) Housing Roundtable, a regional collective of non-profit housing providers and advocates. The SGI Housing Roundtable is a way for groups across the Southern Gulf Islands to stay connected, share ideas and problem-solve housing-related issues. The group gathers 2-3 times a year, inviting guest speakers to speak to key issues.
In January, Salt Spring Solutions is looking forward to welcoming Adam Olson, former MLA for Saanich North and the Islands to the SGI Roundtable. Adam will be sharing his experience advocating on behalf of the communities in Saanich North and the Islands in the legislature, and will discuss how community leaders can assess the scale and scope of the problem and advocate for change.
Do you have an extra room? Remember the Housing NOW Coordinator can help you fill it!
Housing NOW has a new Coordinator for Salt Spring Island, Adam Evanick. If you have a room in your home that could be offered for a fellow community member, Adam is available to help support the rental process. You can reach Adam at housingnowssi@sgicommunityresources.ca or learn more on the Housing Now Salt Spring Island website.