The B.C. government is giving the University of Northern British Columbia's Community Development Institute $50,000 to continue research on economic diversification and ways to improve housing stability in rural and northern communities.

The Community Development Institute will provide the B.C. government with information on topics such as economic and social development, workforce needs and trends effecting northern communities. Access to comprehensive and current data will also provide valuable insight into northern housing markets.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour and MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie -

"The B.C. government is proud to have invested toward Community Development Institute's continued research to support the economic diversification and housing needs of rural communities in the North. Information from these studies provides our government with the research we need to better serve British Columbians in this region."

Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General and MLA for Prince George-Valemount -

"We are very pleased to be able to support the Community Development Institute with a grant for their endowment fund. Having accurate information is critical for government, and the research that is done will reflect northern perspectives as we work to find ways to provide sustainable housing options now and in the future."

Dr. George Iwama, president and vice-chancellor, University of Northern British Columbia -

"We are delighted with the B.C. government's ongoing support and partnership with UNBC. Today's commitment of funding will enable our Community Development Institute to continue supporting economic development in our rural and northern communities through research and building of capacity."

Quick Facts:

• Rural and small communities that are resource-based face undetermined economic cycles, which have a significant impact on the demand for housing, at times creating radical swings in housing costs.

• Communities in northern British Columbia face two additional housing-related challenges: aging housing stock and seniors' desires to age-in-place.

• Since 2003, the Community Development Institute has been working with communities across northern B.C. to help them diversify their economies thereby mitigating the impact of resource sector boom and bust cycles resulting in more sustained and predictable economic growth and prosperity.

• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $3.2 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 97,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services.

Learn More:

To learn more about BC Housing, please visit: www.bchousing.org/

To read how the provincial housing strategy is helping British Columbians, visit: http://www.bchousing.org/Media/Stories

To learn more about the Community Development Institute, visit: http://www.unbc.ca/cdi/

Contact:

Seumas Gordon
BC Housing
604 439-4789
604 417-5791 cell