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Budget brings additional funding for affordable housing
The NDP brought down the provincial budget today, and it included what Finance Minister Carole James said is the largest investment in B.C.’s history for affordable housing. It included $1.6-billion over three years to build and maintain affordable rental housing.
The NDP dismantled the B.C. Home Owner interest-free mortgage program for first-time buyers, using that money to create a new “Housing Hub” agency that will work with non-profit groups, churches and the private sector to find land for housing projects.
The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, along with Housing Central partner BC Non-Profit Housing Association, commended the provincial government for taking decisive action on the province’s housing crisis in the provincial budget.
“We are very pleased that the government has taken these critical steps to address housing supply and affordability in BC,” said Thom Armstrong, Executive Director of the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC. “These measures will position the community housing sector to partner with government on concrete solutions that will have a real and meaningful impact on communities everywhere in B.C.,” said Armstrong.
Jill Atkey, Managing Director of BC Non-Profit Housing Association, said these new investments, combined with the contributions of a range of other partners like municipalities and the Federal government, will set B.C. firmly on the path of building 114,000 new units of affordable housing over the next ten years.
Vancouver Sun: B.C. Budget 2018: Big spending on child care, housing; foreign buyer tax expanded
Coastal Community Credit Union funds farmers market
Coastal Community Credit Union has awarded $5,000 through its Building Healthier Communities Fund to Island Roots Market Cooperative.
The funding will help the organization assess the demand for a permanent Farmers Market in Nanaimo.
According to the Co-op, a year-round market would strengthen communities in the region in a number of ways, including stimulating and raising the profile of the local food movement and increasing the health of Island residents through stable access to fresh local food.
The Thingery, a co-op borrowing project, could be coming to a neighbourhood near you
Imagine all the stuff you might want one day, but rarely use, conveniently located in a community pod not far from your home, available to use when you want it—and stored away conveniently when you don’t.
That’s The Thingery.
Based on a co-op model, community members sign up for a membership, and pay an annual fee for the right to borrow everything from home and garden tools to recreational, seasonal and party equipment and even kids toys.
The first Thingery location opened at River Market in New Westminster in December. And they’ve secured permission for Thingeries to be located in Vancouver, New Westminster and potentially North Vancouver.
Vancouver Sun: The Thingery, a co-op borrowing project, is coming to a neighbourhood near you
Shared motorcycle cooperative in Vancouver gives members tools for a smooth ride
There is now a motorcycle repair co-op in Vancouver.
The Vancouver Motorcycle Collective — a cooperative, subscription-based shared workspace — was launched in January.
Members have access to a fully equipped workshop with tools, workbench space, lifts, and a welding station, as well as a repair manual library and optional online motorcycle repair courses. Users can pay for an annual membership or a half-day’s use of the shop space, with several subscription options in between.
Sharable: Shared motorcycle cooperative in Vancouver gives members tools for a smooth ride
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