In September, 2007, The grassroots Bowen Community Housing Association presented a draft Affordable Housing Strategy to the Council of the Bowen Island Municipality (BIM). Shortly after, in acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation, and as a way of demonstrating its commitment to “adopting a proactive, ongoing affordable housing agenda”, council moved to appoint an Affordable Housing Working Group (AHWG). The volunteer group was given the task of designing tools for council and municipal staff to pursue the production of affordable housing that meets the island’s needs.

The committee was mandated to begin the implementation of the Affordable Housing Strategy. Objectives outlined in the group’s Terms of Reference included the job of drafting an Affordable Housing Policy, and beginning the work of a municipal housing authority.

The group, largely consisting of members from the Bowen Community Housing Association Affordable Housing Strategy Committee, was given a budget of $10,000 and the authority to hire a consultant.

With the assistance of consultant Tim Wake, the working group completed a draft affordable housing policy in early summer of this year. Council adopted it shortly thereafter.

Currently the group is turning its focus to the groundwork of setting up an arms-length municipal agency to facilitate and develop affordable rental housing and entry-level ownership housing.

Affordable Housing Consultant:

• Tim Wake

The Committee consists of the following members:

• Elizabeth Ballantyne (Chair)
• Brian Hodgins
• Bruce Howlett
• Faye White
• Gordon Reid
• Morganne Keplar
• Sara Baker

Council Liaison:

• Alison Morse

Staff Representative:

• Celene Fung

Communications:

• Jacqueline Massey