2018 AGM

Rental housing on Mayne: Good news in the works!

Like many communities, Mayne Island lacks stable and affordable rental housing. Unlike other communities, we have no housing built specifically to address the issue. In fact, Mayne Island is one of the few Southern Gulf Islands that does not have a dedicated seniors housing development, or any purpose-built rental housing.

The bad news is that in the past ten years, we’ve suffered a 30 per cent reduction in the number of rental accommodations, from 60 to 40 homes.

The good news is that the Mayne Island Housing Society (MIHS), incorporated in 2018 as a non-profit organization, is tackling the problem, with a proposal to build up to 20 homes for singles,
couples and families, including seniors. It will offer units at mixed rental rates (shelter, affordable rates and market rate) to meet affordability issues as well as take on ongoing operational issues
of the housing development.

Board members have visited existing housing projects on other Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island to explore different housing models. MIHS has discussed options with the Islands Trust for receiving special permission for anticipated re-zoning changes.

We’ve also retained a professional housing consultant to prepare the business plan and funding proposals for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation seed-funding and capital funding
opportunities.

We’re exploring land acquisition options (donations or other agreements) and are currently pursuing a promising option. We continue to welcome discussions about other possible building
sites, and donations of land or funding. Our hope is to move forward quickly to transfer title to the MIHS once there is final agreement on a land parcel.

The current focus is to acquire suitable land, proceed to funding, and continue ongoing community engagement and collaboration with other community agencies. We’ve received much support from the community and encourage Islanders to continue backing this issue for a healthier and supportive community for all residents.

MIHS’s Annual General Meeting is at Church House on February 16th at 2 p.m. For more information, contact mihousingsociety@gmail.com.

​Submitted by Pam Withers