Housing Issues of the Northwest -- 2021 Archive page

An Archive for 2021 of items related to Housing for the North West.


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News on Housing

December

December 23 -- Prince Rupert's Homeless back to Fisherman's Hall for the Holidays NCR

December 22 -- Lax Kw'alaams Band Members to go to referendum on land for housing plans NCR

December 10 -- Penticton's Tax Sale tempest will make for a note of reflection for other municipalities in BC   NCR

December 7 -- Lax Kw'alaams issues call for Lax Kw'alaams artists to work on design for new Prince Rupert apartment project   NCR

November

November 29 -- BC Rent Bank program offers supports to stabilize rental housing during short term financial challenges NCR 

November 16 -- Raffles Elevator is going down ... for the final time   NCR

November 13 -- Terrace residents face tax hikes in future years

November 12 -- Housing prices in Northern BC have spiked 17% in past 12 months

November 10 -- Council calls for covenant, additional report prior to final approval of zoning change for Sloan/McKay property NCR

November 10 -- RDBN report on rural housing needs

November 10 -- Civic planning post returns to city staff status with new hire NCR

November 9 -- Terrace property tax increase (video)

November 9 -- BC Housing to provide trailer for homeless population at Veterans Park

November 9 -- No first crack at renovated units for Prince Rupert Pinecrest evicted renters

November 8 -- 15 family-sized units create a dent in Prince Rupert housing crunch 

November 8 -- Public hearing seeks approval for plans of consolidation of lots at Sloan and McKay and rezoning for multiple Family residential use NCR

November 5 -- Province announces opening of Weather Response Shelters for Winter, including downtown Prince Rupert option at Crane's Crossing NCR

November 4 -- Haida Gwaii Housing (video)

November 3 -- Village of Burns Lake Council moves forward with temporary use permit 

November 3 -- Derelict property falls into Village of Granisle hands

November 3 -- Haida Gwaii housing shortage continues (audio)

November 1 -- Northern BC housing sales continuing torrid pace

November 1 -- Housing horror story from Haida Gwaii: Former Federal Green Party candidate at risk of homelessness

October

October 29 -- City of Terrace to bring in additional property tax

October 29 -- Regional District talks Haida Gwaii Health Care, Nisga'a LNG and Housing themes among other agenda items at October session   NCR

October 29 -- Province hopes to streamline and speed up housing approvals with moves towards amended legislation NCR

October 26 -- Housing concerns spark bylaw discussion at Terrace council

October 21 -- Smithers Veterans Park homeless encampment to stay in place

October 21 -- City of Terrace sewer and water user rates to rise 

October 15 -- Terrace celebrates Student Housing, Library renovations at Coast Mountain College NCR

October 14 -- New student housing unveiled at Coast Mountain College in Terrace

October 13 -- Real estate sales continue increase in Houston, Burns Lake

October 13 -- District of Kitimat conducting survey to better understand community needs

October 13 -- Northern BC residential prices increased by 25 percent since start of pandemic says BCNREB

October 12 -- Homeless camp to remain across from the Town of Smithers office

October 8 -- Northwest Housing costs (video)

October 8 -- Feedback to heed on Community Engagement, if Council's inclined  NCR

October 8 -- Prince Rupert Council passes third reading of rezoning application for Lax Kw'alaams housing project

October 7 -- Terrace Budget proposal would see 5.52% property tax increase for 2022 

October 7 -- Prince Rupert's median house price tops 400,000 dollars in latest realty review from BCNREB NCR

October 7 -- Prince Rupert's median house price tops 400,000 dollars in latest realty review from BCNREB NCR

October 7 -- Prince Rupert Public Hearing on proposed Lax Kw'alaams Housing (video)

October 6 -- Prince Rupert City Councillors deny variance p

October 6 -- Home Sales in Smithers are on the upward trend

October 6 -- Report: Terrace has the highest average house price in Northern BC

October 6 -- With 11th Avenue East Public Hearing concluded, Council approves third reading of bylaws and moves proposed rezoning on towards Final Approval NCR

October 6 -- 11th Avenue apartment project in Prince Rupert (audio)

October 6 -- Real Estate Prices in Northern BC update 25% over Pre-Pandemic Figures 

October 5 -- Prince Rupert residents express concern surrounding proposed 70 unit apartment complex

October 5 -- Affordable housing rezoning proposal passed 3rd reading at emotional council meeting

October 1 -- 6 PM start for Monday's Public Hearing for proposed apartment housing on 11th Avenue East NCR

September

September 29 -- A Digby Tower Reveal  NCR

September 29 -- Motor Inn homeless shelter project in early stages 

September 29 -- Some notes for resumption of the 11th Avenue East Public hearing shared on City of Prince Rupert website ... sort of NCR

September 23 -- Council adopts Housing Actions; puts some into motion as part of Monday evening session NCR

September 22 -- Suspended Public Hearing for 11th Avenue East Apartment development to resume October 4th, with Council to make session an online virtual affair  NCR

September 22 -- City's Renoviction Bylaw to serve as a complement to provincial legislation NCR

September 20 -- Mapping initiative launched by Town of Smithers, Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, and Regional District Fraser-Fort George

September 20 -- Housing and property themes a plenty tonight as Council explores range of initiatives NCR

September 20 - City Council to lay down the foundation of tackling issue of Renovictions at tonight's Council session NCR

September 20 -- Research on 11th Avenue Housing questions now available for public review on City Council Agenda page for tonight's session  NCR

September 17 -- Affordable housing progress, infrastructure Among themes for Port Edward update for District residents NCR

September 15 -- Council to apply for zoning bylaw review and update

September 9 -- Abandoned property on Alfred Street to be remediated 

September 8 -- BC Government puts cap on rent increases for 2022 to 1.5%. NCR

September 4 -- Housing needs assessment to be conducted in rural communities within Bulkley Nechako  regional district 

September 3 -- Prince Rupert tenant rights advocate finds eviction notice on his own door - may need to leave job and city 

September 1 -- Construction begins on new affordable housing development in Terrace 

August

August 31 -- Coast Mountain College is requiring students to reveal vaccination status

August 31 -- Vaccinations required to live on campus at Coast Mountain College

August 27 -- Lax Kw'alaams public hearing postponed due to lack of information (video)

August 27 -- Available land and the city's process of consultation will remain a recurring question on affordable housing   NCR

August 26 -- Opposing sides of proposed 11th Avenue housing debate were voiced at public hearing 

August 25 -- Mayor Brain, City Council stop the clock on 11th Avenue East Public Hearing ... review process to resume in September  NCR

August 23 -- Land rezoning choice at Centre Stage tonight with 11th Avenue East Public Hearing set for 6PM at the Lester Centre NCR

August 21 -- $5,000 toward energy efficiency retrofit for homeowners 

August 21 -- City of Terrace gets provincial homelessness grant

August 20 -- Terrace property owners funding part of hospital project to benefit from low interest rate

August 20 -- BC Housing responds to Senior's eviction allegations

August 19 -- Community information meeting for BC Housing project on McKay

August 19 -- Homeless count shows an increase in Smithers

August 18 -- Houston Housing Society Executive firmed up

August 18 -- Wheelchair bound senior citizen with medical needs allies eviction from Prince Rupert supportive housing facility 

August 17 -- BC Housing to host virtual 'neighbourhood meeting' this week to update McKay Street area residents on housing plans  NCR

August 17 -- Housing Starts in BC rise month over month, plummet in yearly comparison

August 13 -- Public hearing to be held  on August 23rd for Lax Kw'alaams housing project  

August 13 -- Prince Rupert housing project subject of hearing on August 23rd 

August 13 -- Contentious housing development rezoning application up for public hearing 

August 12 -- Smithers receives funding to combat homelessness 

August 12 -- City of Prince Rupert sets August 23rd for Public hearing on proposed apartment complex for 11th Avenue East NCR

August 11 -- Smithers homeless count reports 33 people experiencing homelessness (video)

August 11 -- Northern BC home sales flatten out in July 

August 11 -- Grant boosts Seniors Housing project in Houston

August 11 -- Smithers homeless count reports 33 people experiencing homelessness in town

August 10 -- Homeless count rises in Smithers 

August 10 -- Housing themes highlight August Council's notes for Port Edward residents  NCR

July 

July 29 -- Kitimat records dramatic real estate boom in first half of 2021

July 28 -- Proposed 60 room hotel project appeals to have new city bylaws reverted 

July 28 -- Council express enthusiasm along with approval for financial support for Ecotrust plans for community energy feasibility study NCR

July 27 -- Remedial Action Requirement issued for abandoned mobile home at Hudson Bay Mobile Home Park 

July 27 -- 11th Avenue East apartment proposal to go to Public Hearing sometime in August NCR

July 27 -- Park Avenue Hotel proposal sails through Public Hearing, without any feedback from public, gains Third reading from Regular Council session  NCR

July 24 -- Northern BC's famed abandoned town preserved in time awaits its turn

July 22 -- Prince Rupert's signature downtown building to change hands  NCR

July 21 -- Burns Lake Council give a nod for the village heights subdivision project

July 21 -- Foundations poured for Senior housing expansion in Houston

July 21 -- Prince Rupert a step closer to New City Square 

July 21 -- Property sales, prices soar compared to last year for Houston, Burns Lake

July 21 -- Burns Lake Council gives a nod for the village heights subdivision project 

July 20 -- City of Prince Rupert developing new city centre with Northern Savings Credit Union (video)

July 20 -- City of Prince Rupert developing new city centre with Northern Savings Credit Union 

July 20 -- Housing, pedestrian mall and commercial development for downtown Prince Rupert announced 

July 20 -- City of Prince Rupert, Mayor Brain outline enthusiasm for plans for Downtown Gateway project NCR

July 19 -- Latest element of Prince Rupert vision planning out for Bids as Gateway project comes into focus NCR

July 16 -- Partial cost of Official Community Plan development and ongoing planning themes listed in recent Supplies and Services disclosure  NCR

July 15 -- Park Avenue Modular Hotel proposal to go to Public Hearing July 26th NCR

July 14 -- Port Edward update puts focus on housing plans for community  NCR

July 14 -- Terrace reports 85 people experiencing homelessness in 2021 count 

July 13 -- Property sales, average home selling prices continue to increase in NWBC (video)

July 13 -- Smithers mayor appreciates patience after new homeless camp appears

July 13 -- Property sales, average home selling prices continue to increase in Northwest BC

July 12 -- Double the volume, double the closing price marks the first six months for Prince Rupert realty from one year ago  NCR

July 10 -- Terrace records dramatic real estate boom in first half of 2021

July 9 -- District of Port Edward launches affordable housing plan for community  NCR

July 8 -- Demolition of post-fire structure ordered by Smithers Town Council

July 6 -- New renovation process will protect tenants 

July 2 -- Council looks for progress from recently adopted Housing Action List.  NCR

June

June 30 -- Smithers Council approves new workshop 

June 30 -- Indigenous Housing project announced on National Indigenous People's Day

June 28 -- Recent Council Workshop on Housing Delivers Action List for approval tonight NCR

June 28 -- New Housing proposal for Drake Crescent to be considered by Council tonight NCR

June 28 -- Crane's Crossing seeks variance to move forward on work for Transitional Housing in Prince Rupert NCR

June 28 -- Park Avenue Hotel proposal back to Council tonight NCR

June 28 -- How Medicine Hat ended homelessness (audio)

June 11 -- Affordable housing to be focus of Kitimat Chamber of Commerce meeting

June 10 -- Regional District seeks input on Housing Needs across North Coast  NCR

June 8 -- New procedure for Home Owner Grants in Prince Rupert

June 7 -- Building permit turnaround time increased

June 4 -- 69 New Affordable Rental Homes for Stikine

June 4 -- More rental homes coming to Smithers, Hazelton

June 4 -- Six new BC Housing rental projects are coming to the Northwest

June 4 -- Two more housing projects coming to Terrace

June 4 -- Tax time tutorial with City of Prince Rupert CFO Corinne Bomben NCR

June 3 -- Harbour View Gardens (video)

June 3 -- Redeveloped Harbour View Gardens project in Prince Rupert will have 192 rental units

June 2 -- New 192 unit housing development announced by BC Housing for Prince Rupert

June 2 -- BC Housing proposal to add volume of housing along McKay Street corridor NCR

June 1 -- Northern BC construction boom (audio)

June 1 -- Temporary housing denied for Vista Village Trailer Park in Kitimat  

May

May 26 -- Rising material costs boost senior housing price tag in Houston

May 26 -- Tax Bills and message making arrive in the mail from City of Prince Rupert  NCR

May 20 -- Candidates on infrastructure and housing: Terrace Council By-election  

May 19 -- Trailer court owners remain stymied by council 

May 16 -- Northern BC sets new record with 530 home sales in April

May 14 -- Housing development for Lax Kw'alaams and Kitsumkalum (video)

May 14 -- Affordable homes open in Lax Kw'alaams

May 14 -- More Housing Now Available for Lax Kw'alaams following Friday announcement  NCR

May 14 -- Council provides approval of minor variance, giving green light for Crane's Crossing renovations NCR

May 13 -- Second Town Hall on Prince Rupert and area Housing concerns set for May 15th NCR

May 5 -- Property owners to see a 1 per cent hike it tax

May 5 -- April's Lax Kw'alaams housing proposal presentation for 11th Avenue East is now available online NCR

May 3 -- Architect of the proposed Lax Kw'alaams Apartment complex on 11th named as a 2021 Architectural Award winner  NCR

April 

April 30 -- Prince Rupert Housing petition (video)
April 30 -- Housing affordability decreases in Smithers

April 28 -- Stage-2 recovery house for women to be set up in Terrace

April 28 -- Trailer park rezone bid denied again

April 28 -- Prince Rupert and Smithers taxes (video)

April 28 -- BC Housing conducting review after the deaths of six Indigenous men in Smithers

April 28 -- Council hears call for approval of 11th Avenue Housing plans  NCR

April 27 -- BC Housing investigates Indigenous deaths in Smithers (audio)

April 27 -- North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice speaks to BC Government response to COVID as part of Legislature discussion  NCR

April 26 -- 10 percent increase expected for Town of Smithers property tax

April 26 -- Affordable Housing and community poverty themes a likely topic for tonight's Committee of the Whole Session  NCR

April 25 -- Smithers Property Tax jumps 10 percent

April 24 -- Real estate sales climb in Houston and Burns Lake

April 24 -- Smithers realtor elected president for BC Northern Real Estate Board

April 22 -- Tips for buying a house in a hot market (audio)

April 21 -- Property tax penalty deadlines extended for Burns Lake

April 21 -- Real estate sales climb in Burns Lake

April 21 -- Houston residential taxes edge up

April 20 -- Lanfear property owner renews attempt at development

April 15 -- Terrace homelessness (video)

April 13 -- Townhouse project approved by Smithers Council 

April 12 -- Housing sales continue to climb in Smithers during first quarter of 2021

April 12 -- House prices soar in Terrace

April 12 -- First Quarter results for 2021 highlight the accelerating pace of real estate in Prince Rupert NCR

April 9 -- Northwest Housing sales increase (video)

April 9 -- Ksan Society Housing Project (video)

April 9 -- With late notice, a lost opportunity for expanded consultation on proposed housing development for 11th Avenue East  NCR

April 9 -- Labour Council to host Public Forum on Affordable Housing April 17th  NCR

April 9 -- A Public Hearing, one closed to the public, looms next week towards Official Community Plan and Bylaw approval NCR

April 6 -- Terrace Transition housing takes another step forward

April 1 -- Port Edward comes up with plan towards building inspector shortage  NCR

March

March 25 -- Haida Gwaii Supportive Housing (video)

March 22 -- Landlords, renters at opposite ends of the spectrum on proposed rent freeze extension 

March 19 -- Prince Rupert Labour Council picks up the torch on two community campaigns  NCR

March 19 -- Work underway on new housing for Kootenay area in Prince Rupert  NCR

March 18 -- Rezoning for mobile home park land adjacent to Telkwa concrete plant begins

March 17 -- Senior housing start planned for late spring

March 15 -- As Coast Mountain College prepares to welcome students back with new housing in Terrace, Prince Rupert housing options remain under study NCR

March 15 -- Consultation feedback program underway for proposed 11th Avenue East housing plans  NCR

March 12 -- Northern homeowners not afraid to spend money when it comes to renovations: BC Hydro

March 12 -- Two petitions stir up affordable housing debate with opposite views

March 11 -- Home sales in Northern BC experienced its second-best February ever

March 11 -- Prince Rupert Housing crisis and COVID-19 (audio)

March 5 -- Petition looks to stop progress on rezoning for 11th Avenue Housing proposal NCR

March 5 -- Council to review planners recommendations tonight, as they prepare to make decision on application for proposed Park Avenue Micro-Hotel  NCR

March 5 -- Northwest COVID Exposure update for Prince Rupert Homeless Shelter and other NW locations (video)

March 5 -- COVID-19 Public Exposure Notice issued for Prince Rupert's homeless shelter

March 5 -- Skeena's Ellis Ross on Housing ... NCR

March 5 -- COVID-19 exposure was issued at Prince Rupert shelter

March 5 -- Prince Rupert advocate praises proposed laws to curb renovictions  

March 5 -- Renoviction laws (video)

March 5 -- Northern Health Advisory notes of potential COVID-19 exposure at Cranes' Crossing Homeless Shelter NCR

March 4 -- In Legislature debut, MLA Nathan Cullen speaks to pandemic, housing concerns and representing Stikine   NCR

March 3 -- Granisle derelict buildings remain standing

March 3 -- Stakeholders respond to employee recruitment campaign housing 'disconnect'

March 3 -- Housing 101 with North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice  NCR
March 2 -- Over 150,000 views so far from those exploring the option of Making Prince Rupert Home NCR

March 2 -- Renovictions will be tightened in proposes changes to renters laws
March 1 -- Province tables legislation to extend rent freeze, prevent renovictions

February

February 26 -- Camp spot proposed for hospital construction workers

February 26 -- City maps out potential locations for Student Housing in Prince Rupert; though so far no indication of any progress on theme from Coast Mountain College  NCR

February 24 -- Housing Stats Drop (video)

February 24 -- Houston Council considers Tax Breaks for residential construction

February 24 -- Coastal GasLink gets a nod to increase workforce from 963 to 2,787 people

February 24 -- Prince Rupert recruitment campaign creates housing availability debate 

February 24 -- New housing construction in Northwest BC declined y 41% last year: CPABC

February 24 -- Tools for the Toolbox! City Council explores path ahead to perhaps introducing an Interim Housing strategy for the community  NCR

February 22 -- Accountants association warns 

February 22 -- Accountants association warns of housing pressures for Northwest  NCR

February 22 -- Council to receive proposal for Interim Housing Strategy Report tonight NCR

February 22 -- 'Former Undesirable' turned city councillor speaks out against NIMBYism (audio)

February 19 -- Councillor Skelton-Morven's Take Two on Housing; New Chorus, same refrain  NCR

February 18 -- New owners of Digby Towers hope to breathe new life into housing in Prince Rupert (audio

February 17 -- City of Terrace launches online portal for building permits

February 17 -- Ksan Society's Coldest Night of the year walkathon exceeds fundraising goals

February 17 -- Houston community pitching in to rebuild after trailer fire

February 17 -- Councillor Cunningham renews call for development of Condos for Seniors  NCR

February 12 -- All Plans pass through iPlans  NCR

February 11 -- Renovictions add to housing woes in Prince Rupert (audio)

February 11 -- Northern BC home sales experience best January on record since 2008

February 10 -- Kootenay Avenue Housing plans move forward; while Councillor Skelton-Morven laments the Nimby effect in the city   NCR

February 9 -- Business Tax Exemptions in Prince Rupert (video)

February 8 -- Prince Rupert begins new tax break program for downtown properties

February 8 -- Revised Kootenay Avenue housing plans up for consideration at tonight's City Council session NCR

February 5 -- City of Prince Rupert delivers letters on Downtown Incentive program and Warnings on unsightly premises   NCR

February 4 -- Christian housing society receives grant in lieu of tax exemption

February 4 -- Copperside Estates tried to find solution to Water Quality Advisory

February 4 -- Housing support program adds men's grooming service

February 4 -- Sixty unit residential building being renovated in the city 

February 3 -- Review process for 11th Avenue East housing proposal set to move forward  NCR

February 2 -- Terrae housing report (video)

February 2 -- City of Terrace, regional district offering two info sessions on the future of housing this week

February 2 -- City of Terrae co-hosting two events to discuss regional housing needs

February 1 -- Work on Digby Tower a potential sign of some relief for city's housing crunch; that as City Council makes note of housing as a priority for 2021  NCR

January

January 28 -- Copperside Estates residents petition regional district to take over water system

January 28 -- Many of City Council's big plans await expanded public consultation and some public hearings NCR

January 28 -- Information meeting to be held regarding proposed apartment building in Witset

January 27 -- Homeowner successful in having assessment lowered

January 26 -- '2021 is set up to be a strong year': BC Real Estate Association on northern housing sales

January 26 -- Kootenay Avenue work serves as a reminder of unfinished business on housing for Prince Rupert City Council   NCR

January 25 -- City's planning consultants to provide a range of reports for Council Review this evening  NCR

January 25 -- Parking analysis and recommendations for changes part of tonight's Council session  NCR

January 25 -- Assessing local housing needs funding provided to Regional District of Bulkley Nechako

January 22 -- Witset Apartment project (video)

January 22 -- Multi family building permits in Prince George reach a new all-time high in 2020

January 21 -- Witset Band will host an information session on a proposed apartment building

January 21 -- Public hearing approaches for controversial Hazelton area zoning amendments 

January 21 -- Rezoning for affordable housing complex will go to public hearing

January 21 -- Telkwa council rezones property for proposed 60 home subdivision 

January 20 -- Real estate sates dip in Houston and Burns Lake

January 19 -- Affordable Housing Shortage in Prince Rupert (video)

January 19 -- Eviction leaves Prince Rupert family struggling to find housing

January 15 -- City of Terrace council votes to amend the Official Community Plan Bylaw

January 14 -- Smithers property values jump by 15 per cent

January 14 -- Despite the challenges presented by COVID, 2020 in BC was a strong year for Real Estate Sales in Prince Rupert  NCR

January 13 -- Resident appeals massive increase in assessment value of her dwelling

January 13 -- Houston and Burns Lake housing sales decrease, Smithers housing sales increase

January 13 -- Residential property assessments increase overall in Houston

January 13 -- BC Assessment Authority releases Burns Lake Property Assessments

January 13 -- After lengthy back and forth discussion, Council members come to a compromise on amendment for Downtown Tax Incentive Bylaw  NCR

January 11 -- PG housing market experience sales dip during 2020

January 11 -- Housing demand continues to drive up lumber prices

January 8 -- Renters at Risk program ready for those who need assistance in Prince Rupert region NCR

January  7 -- PG building permits 'surprising' for 2020

January 7 -- As property owners review their 2021 Assessments, Province outlines Home Owner Grant Financials NCR

January 6 -- BC Assessment sends out residential property assessment notices

January 5 -- Property assessments in Bulkley Valley and Lakes District increase 

January 5 -- BC homeowners grant raised

January 5 -- District of Port Edward puts Alder Avenue housing plans out for expressions of interest  NCR 
January 5 -- Smithers/Telkwa take regional lead in Property Assessments for 2021  NCR

January 4 -- PG housing values healthy, despite pandemic

January 4 -- BC Assessments for 2021 indicate increases in valuations for many of Prince Rupert's high end neighbourhoods NCR


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