It's a hot button topic in the city. Now, a plan is in the works to start making things happen.
City manager James Moller presented Humboldt city council with the finalized Housing Task Force Review and Recommendations at the regular meeting of council on May 24. The review and recommendations met with unanimous approval.
The recommendations the task force brought forward were to help with the current housing shortage. They include making a change in zoning regulations to promote the building of secondary, or so-called "granny" suites, working more closely with regional and provincial housing authorities, as well as developing further incentives for the private development of senior-friendly and affordable housing initiatives.
Making lots smaller - and therefore, more affordable for first-time home owners - is another recommendation.
"We researched all the issues facing Humboldt and region," said Moller.
The City of Humboldt started its Housing Task Force last December, in an effort to address the community's affordable housing needs.
"We were hearing from the community that there was a need across the whole housing continuum for affordable housing," said Moller. "We get numerous phone calls each week from people wanting to relocate here because of job opportunities. However, they cannot find suitable housing."
Moller said if more people were willing to create secondary suites in their homes, that would be one way to help ease the housing shortage. It could also offset their own housing expenses.
"It's one of the easiest and probably most cost-effective ways to find housing in a community," he said.
Another option discussed was smaller lot zoning.
"Staff has been looking at creating a new zone in our zoning bylaw called small lot zoning or 3A," said Moller. "It provides a narrower lot... marginally reducing the cost of the home."
He said one of the problems the city is facing is that local builders are building higher-end homes, instead of more affordable housing. That's because higher-end homes have a better chance of turning a profit.
"When you are building for affordable homes, it's really a very fine line between breaking even and a slight margin of profit," said Moller.
The Housing Task Force also discussed approaching trailer park owners, asking if they would be willing to subdivide their property.
"It's really something that they need to control," Moller said. "We actually have three trailer park zones in our city, all three located in the southwest quandrant."
Moller noted all the recommendations in the report were intended to make it easier for newcomers to Humboldt to find a home, "Without providing huge financial incentives, because right now the city is not in position to be offering large incentives."
A new tab has been added to the City of Humboldt web page, making it easier for newcomers to find information about housing in the area and what kinds of accommodations are available.
"It's a useful tool for residents and newcomers to the area," said Moller.
To read the full Housing Task Force Review and Recommendations, visit the city's website, www.cityofhumboldt.ca.
