The Growing Housing Gap in BC
The housing crisis in British Columbia has left many moderate- and lower-income earners struggling to find stable, affordable homes. While subsidized housing serves those with the lowest incomes, and market-rate housing is accessible to higher earners, moderate-income households are increasingly left without viable options.
This “missing middle”—teachers, healthcare workers, tradespeople, and young professionals—represents a critical demographic for thriving communities. Yet, no level of government has effectively addressed this widening gap. Recent provincial and municipal policies have inadvertently exacerbated the crisis, driving housing further out of reach for moderate-income earners.
Squamish exemplifies this growing challenge, with its booming population and workforce in need of diverse housing solutions. Without targeted strategies to address this gap, the affordability crisis will continue to undermine the town’s social and economic resilience.
Affordable Living: What’s Missing?
In British Columbia, affordable housing is generally defined as costing no more than 30% of a household’s gross income, according to BC Housing and CMHC. Subsidized housing options, such as Westwinds Senior Living (232 units) and Spirit Creek Apartments (76 units), provide critical support for low-income residents.
Market-rate housing, on the other hand, caters to higher-income earners, with developments like North Yards and SEAandSKY contributing valuable inventory. Yet, moderate-income earners—those earning between $50,000 and $70,000 annually—often fall between the cracks. They neither qualify for subsidized housing nor can they afford the high costs of market-rate rentals.
Recent reports estimate that Squamish will require 6,840 new housing units by 2031 to meet demand, with 42% of these units needed for households earning less than $70,000 annually. However, the current pace of development and regulatory environment is failing to meet these needs, leaving the “missing middle” underserved.
Expanded Impact of the Housing Gap
The housing gap isn’t just a numbers issue—it has profound social and economic implications for communities like Squamish.
Teachers and Educators: Many educators must commute long distances due to the lack of affordable housing near schools, impacting work-life balance and retention.
Healthcare Workers: Nurses and hospital staff, essential to the community, face similar challenges, making it difficult for healthcare facilities to attract and retain talent.
Tradespeople and Small Business Owners: Skilled workers and entrepreneurs often struggle to find housing that matches their income, leading to labor shortages and project delays.
These challenges threaten the vibrancy and functionality of communities, underscoring the urgency of addressing the housing gap.
Pathways to Bridging the Gap
While governments have yet to fully address this crisis, there are promising pathways to explore:
Flexible Zoning Policies: Removing barriers to mid-scale developments like multi-unit housing and co-living spaces can expedite construction and lower costs.
Incentives for Moderate-Income Housing: Tax breaks and reduced permitting fees for developers focused on housing for moderate-income earners can encourage new projects.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, non-profits, and private developers can create innovative solutions without relying solely on subsidies.
These measures, while incremental, could provide immediate relief to communities like Squamish, paving the way for longer-term solutions.
A Path Toward Sustainable Affordable Living in Squamish
Bridging the housing gap requires collaboration, innovation, and bold action. Squamish’s affordability crisis highlights the need for systemic change, but it also provides an opportunity to explore innovative solutions like mid-scale developments, co-living models, and public-private partnerships.
Affordable living isn’t just about reducing housing costs—it’s about creating a town where individuals and families can thrive. By addressing the housing gap head-on, Squamish can set a powerful example for other communities facing similar challenges.
The path forward demands collective action and a shared commitment to ensuring that everyone—from educators to healthcare workers to tradespeople—has the opportunity to live, work, and grow in Squamish.
