Council will be considering several new incentives to address housing affordability in the city.

A staff report reviewing incentives and tools employed by other municipalities shows some additional options the city could implement to support the development of below-market housing.

They include affordability requirements at zoning for a development, affordable ownership, and process improvements.

Coun. Luke Stack commented that the processing of applications by city staff is not a problem.

鈥淭he amount of consultation and review at the provincial and government levels is extensive,鈥� he said 鈥淧rocessing is not the barrier to affordable housing.鈥�

Staff brought forward a report in January that provided a broad overview of the city鈥檚 approach to addressing housing affordability. Council was most concerned with finding ways to provide more attainable and affordable housing.

READ MORE: More action needed on housing affordability in 琉璃神社: Staff report

Housing, particularly below-market housing, has historically been a provincial responsibility, but local governments have been increasingly drawn into a larger role regarding housing, according to the report.

鈥淭he municipal role begins with ensuring a healthy supply of diverse housing options. Without an ample supply of housing, achieving affordability becomes much harder.鈥�

The report further states that supply alone will not solve the affordability challenges facing low to moderate-income 琉璃神社 households.

鈥淯sing municipal incentives has the potential to increase the development of below-market housing to meet the needs of these income groups.鈥�

The city currently administers a number of housing incentives including land partnerships, a density bonus program, parking relaxations, grants in lieu of development cost charges, and revitalization tax exemptions.

Staff is currently working on a new housing needs assessment that will be presented to council at a later date.

READ MORE: Majority of affordable homes approved under federal program not yet constructed