Newsletter from MLA/Minister Katrine Conroy, housing tops list
By Katrine Conroy
For many people in our community and across B.C., affordable and available housing is top of mind. It’s one of our government’s top priorities too.
This week, our government announced two actions from our Homes for People plan that will help get more British Columbians into affordable homes, faster.
We launched the Single Housing Application Service (SHAS) on the new Permit Connect BC website to streamline the process of applying for abuilding permit for new housing. Instead of applying to several different ministries, homebuilders will apply only once. In addition to saving application time, the new SHAS can connect homebuilders to a dedicated staff member known as a ‘navigator’ who will help guide them through all stages of application. By connecting homebuilders with these experts, we’re expediting the permitting process and providing a personal, one-stop-shop that will speed up the process and deliver more homes for British Columbians.
We know that many people would love to build and rent out a secondary suite on their property, but they may face challenges. That’s why we also launched Home Suite Home, a guide that will help homeowners decide if building and renting a secondary suite is right for them. In the new year, we’ll be launching a three-year pilot program that will help with financial assistance for homeowners who want to construct a secondary suite. The loans will be forgivable up to 50% for homeowners who rent out their secondary suites below market rates. Applications will open in April 2024.
We know there is more work to do, and these are just a few actions in our government’s Homes for People plan. We’ll continue working diligently towards safe and affordable homes for all British Columbians.
In this week’s news about the Columbia River Treaty we would like to invite Basin residents to check out this editorial: “Arrow Lakes impacts top of mind in Columbia River Treaty negotiations” Sept. 18, 2023, by Kathy Eichenberger (Executive director, Columbia River Treaty, and B.C. lead, Canadian Negotiation Delegation). Please also remember to check out and bookmark our Arrow Lake & CRT Info Page, which will be updated regularly throughout the CRT process and is a valuable learning resource for anyone who wishes to learn more about the Treaty and its impacts on our region.
COINS 10th Anniversary September 22nd, 2023
Today we gathered to celebrate the significant contributions Circle of Indigenous Nations Society have made providing cultural support, counseling services, nutritional outreach and so much more to the people in the West Kootenay and Boundary region. It has been an honour to see COINS flourish over the last decade. I am grateful for all the time and commitment that each of the staff member and volunteer brings.
Your focus on supporting Indigenous people to lead healthy, self-determining, proud, and vibrant lives is evident. I know that our whole community looks forward to gatherings you host, at the COINS building and across our beautiful region. Thank you all for bringing art, music, knowledge, skills and spirituality into our lives and the lives of our children for future generations.
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Literacy supports boosted for British Columbians
New funding to expand community-based literacy programs will help people of all ages learn new skills, communicate with confidence and engage fully in society. The Province partners with Decoda Literacy Solutions, a non-profit organization, to support community-based literacy programs and initiatives by providing resources and training in more than 400 communities. One-time boost of $1 million to support the expansion of community programs.
Province provides support to strengthen local fire departments
Communities throughout British Columbia will see improved emergency response from their local fire departments as the Province provides support to strengthen community firefighting capacities. The Province is providing access to enhanced training opportunities,more equipment, and also funding for education campaigns aimed at teaching people how to prevent fires and stay safe. Almost $5 million is being divided between the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, the Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia and the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit.
British Columbia increases food security and agricultural resiliency during emergencies
The Province is supporting B.C.’s farmers, communities and First Nations with a new fund to help with increased planning and preparation for agricultural emergencies in order to strengthen food security. The new Food Security Emergency Planning and Preparedness Fund has almost $20 million to support the purchase, upgrading and installation of equipment and infrastructure. The fund will also help with emergency response training, emergency planning, and developing the tools and procedures necessary to respond to and manage agricultural emergencies.
New vision connects rural British Columbians to a stronger future
The B.C. government has released StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities, a new vision that outlines investments to help build a brighter future for rural communities and the people who call them home. The vision focuses on concrete actions including delivering high-speed internet to every community, helping goods and people move, and bringing more rural expertise and perspectives to government. An initial investment of $20 million to enhance medical-travel supports provided by the Canadian Cancer Society and Hope Air those who need to travel for cancer care.
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We want to hear from you, families, people with lived experience, First Nations, and service providers about how we can create effective new services that work for all families based on their child or youth’s unique needs.
The ideas brought forward will be shared so we can all learn from them and benefit from this engagement.
Please submit your feedback here: Home – Children and Youth with Support Needs (gov.bc.ca)
My community office is open Monday to Thursday 10-3pm. Please call or email in advance to let Angelika or Sarah know when you are planning to come in so they can be ready in advance to assist you. If you have any questions or concerns about any provincial issue, or need assistance with a provincial body, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. My office can be reached at 250-304-2783 or Katrine.Conroy.MLA@leg.bc.ca.
Helpful resources:
- Find out how to be wildfire ready wildfireready.gov.bc.ca/
- Find evacuation information and other emergency info during wildfires emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
- Find mental health and substance-use supports: wellbeing.gov.bc.ca
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