A new housing action plan will help the City of Terrace address future housing needs as the community grows due to economic development.

The City of Terrace completed the plan together with the provincial government, the Northern Development Trust Initiative and industry partners. The plan identifies future housing needs and includes 18 recommendations to ensure Terrace has adequate, affordable housing as opportunities for new jobs arise. Of the 13 recommendations directed at the provincial government, action is underway to address each of them.

The recommendations include improving access to rent supplements and funding a housing needs assessment of older residents. The Province is already taking action in Terrace, including increasing rental assistance in the community and planning a series of information sessions for landlords and renters this spring.

Last year, the Province invested over $2.2 million to provide subsidized housing and rent supplements for 460 households in Terrace. This includes support for more than 180 senior households and over 190 family households.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing -

“I commend Terrace for taking the initiative to develop a housing action plan, which provides a roadmap for future housing needs and enables the community to work with its partners to provide affordable housing.”

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

“Housing is an important part of planning underway in northwest B.C. communities, as local governments and regional districts prepare for economic development and population growth. The Government of British Columbia is supporting housing action plans in Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Port Edward to help local governments develop housing capable of satisfying the future needs of diverse residential populations.”

Carol Leclerc, mayor of City of Terrace -

“With all the economic development in our region, this is the right time to update our housing action plan. The opportunity to collaborate with other agencies and the support we received from the Province will assist us to maintain Terrace as a vibrant, liveable community.”

Quick Facts:

• Through the new Homelessness Prevention Program, the Province has increased rental supplements to Terrace. Since October 2014, 38 more people have assistance to keep their rent affordable.
• The provincial government provided $100,000 to four communities: Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Port Edward to support and develop the housing action plans.
• Kitimat released its housing action plan in October 2014. The plan includes 18 recommendations.
• The provincial government has provided more than $1 million to support northwestern communities plan and prepare for growth.

Learn More:

Terrace’s Housing Action Plan: http://www.terrace.ca/documents/housing/2015_Terrace_HAP_FINAL.pdf

Media Contacts:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing
250 952-0617

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 888-1462

Alisa Thompson
City of Terrace
250 638-4721