Redevelopment Process and Principles

A key part of the strategy includes redeveloping provincially owned properties with aging buildings on underutilized land. Redevelopment strengthens and protects affordable housing and gives us the opportunity to:

• Rejuvenate the affordable housing stock by replacing aging developments in need of costly repairs with brand-new homes

• Create homes that fully integrate affordable housing into surrounding communities

• Use our resources to better address any gaps in the range of housing options

• Provide more environmentally sustainable housing

BC Housing’s role can vary with each redevelopment project. Our success comes through strong partnerships with local governments and community organizations.

Redevelopment Process Overview

Redevelopment helps to ensure the affordable housing stock continues to meet the special housing and support needs of low-income British Columbians. Each redevelopment process is slightly different and offers unique opportunities.

Working in partnership

BC Housing works in partnership with local governments, non-profit operators and community groups to redevelop underutilized properties that have aging, obsolete buildings. If a property needs to be rezoned, each municipality has requirements for public involvement that contribute to the outcome of the process.

Supporting residents

We understand the impact redevelopment can have for residents and we strive to accommodate their needs and provide timely information. Learn more about the Guiding Principles for Housing Transitions for Residents below.

Community consultation

Every effort will be made to provide local communities with opportunities to provide input during the redevelopment process.

Guiding Principles for Housing Redevelopment

The redevelopment of aging affordable housing properties will ensure that people in greatest housing need in B.C. will have improved access to housing that best meets those needs. The following are general business principles for the redevelopment process. Each project may develop specific principles relevant to the project.

• Affordable housing residents currently living at sites slated for redevelopment will be considered first at all key stages of the redevelopment process.

• There will be no reduction in the number of affordable housing units.

• Any value realized from the redevelopment of a site will be reinvested to provide more affordable housing in B.C.

• Redevelopment will provide safer and better quality affordable housing, reduced maintenance costs and better use of public funds.

• Where possible, redevelopment will create mixed-income communities with affordable housing integrated into larger communities with other housing options.

• All parties involved in a site redevelopment will strive to ensure it proceeds within a reasonable time frame and is more environmentally sustainable than it was prior to redevelopment.

Guiding Principles for Housing Transitions for Residents

If residents are required to move as a result of redevelopment, all efforts will be made to help find them appropriate housing. While circumstances will vary according the specific project, the following provides general principles for assisting residents, including whether a return to the redeveloped housing is an option. Residents will be consulted regarding any moving requirements well in advance. Every effort will be made to help individuals find available housing that meets their needs.

• Reasonable moving costs, as well as utilities reconnection, will be covered.
• Residents will be provided with open communication and clear information to ensure they are well informed about how the redevelopment will affect them.

To ensure two-way communication, residents will be able to contact us by phone, email or in-person to get information and guidance, or to provide feedback.