And that of course does create problems when it comes to affordable housing in the city

For those who have lived in Kamloops for even the shortest length of time, one thing that doesn’t take long to realize is that we have a city as big as Vancouver with a population one tenth the size. 

Despite the fact the city of Kamloops covers several hundred square kilometers, most of the flatter land, suitable for housing, has already been developed.  That can, and does create its own unique set of challenges.

Development now is mainly on the hill areas of the city in developments like Aberdeen, Juniper Ridge, Rose Hill, Dufferin, Bachelor Heights, etc.

All of this of course means higher land and housing costs because of the increased costs for roads, water, sewer, busing, etc.  And that of course does create problems when it comes to affordable housing in the city.

Recently Kamloops This Week sent a number of questions they were seeking responses on.  Two related directly to housing, and so today I would like to share my answers with you.

Affordable housing has been an issue discussed in this campaign. What can the City of Kamloops do to better address this challenge?

Well, as I understand the taxation system required by statute, the City of Kamloops can only collect taxes to cover the budget requirements to run the city and cover expenses approved by council.  It is not in the city's mandate to collect taxes to pay for social housing or affordable housing.  Social housing/affordable housing is a Provincial/ Federal responsibility. 

However, the city can, with the approval of council, give grants in lieu of taxes.  In other words, if an organization like Elizabeth Fry or John Howard Society, obtains funds from either or both levels of government to build a social housing project, then the city could approve a grant equal to the amount of annual taxes due.

How would you balance the city's goal of infilling and densification of residential units downtown with the desire of many to live in outlying areas of the city, on larger lots? 

This question is quite similar to one posed by the Kamloops Central BIA (KCBIA).  I think that the city need to investigate the need for putting in a zoning bylaw that sets land aside for single family development in the downtown core.

What we are now seeing is areas of the downtown being utilized by organizations and people who need affordable housing or social housing -- this is definitely a good thing -- and I am glad to see it happening. 

On the other hand some, in higher income brackets may not wish to build and live in the downtown area without clear zoning in place.  This will likely need to be handled by our city council or maybe a committee of council.

Bottom line?  It certainly needs being looked at, with the possibility of a plan being put in place with the help of citizens at large. 

As for the issue of larger lots, there are already areas of the city where these available, and in my opinion, those should be utilized before any further development areas are added.

As always, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas, so please feel free to email me at Sharp4KamloopsCouncil@gmail.com

I’m Peter Sharp, councilor candidate for Kamloops City Council.