Non-Market Housing in Vancouver


Introduction

 


The lack of affordable housing in Vancouver makes it difficult for low income families and individuals to find places to live.  Many families and individuals are at risk of becoming homeless if there is not enough supply of affordable housing.  When these such families and individuals pay more than 30% of their income towards housing, they are considered to be at risk of homelessness.

Those who cannot afford to pay market rents are eligible to live in non-market housing. This housing is owned by government, a non-profit or co-operative society, where rents are determined by the residents' ability to pay, and not by the market value.  Most neighbourhoods in Vancouver provide some non-market housing, but it tends to be located in areas where the need is greatest, multi-residential zoned land is available, and land prices are relatively low.
 
In this project, I intend to conduct a Multi-Criteria Evaluation to find out the best possible location for a new non-market housing project.  This  project will evaluate factors such as landuse types (commercial, residential and park land), average household income, the total number of existing non-market housing units, and distance from skytrain stations. Each of these factors will determine the best areas for a new non-market housing unit.  Upon finding a suitable area, further analysis will be necessary to find vacant land or property for sale, and an application for such development must be approved by the city.


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