Housing

Rental housing in Prince Rupert is under pressure from development activity. Ensuring that rental housing is affordable, in good condition, and not overcrowded is a priority for the Metlakatla. This value is focused on off-reserve renter households in Prince Rupert, where the greatest need currently exists.

Social/Health, Yugyetk

Housing

Indicator

Core Housing Need (% of Metlakatla renter households in core housing need in the City of Prince Rupert)

Current Status

42-50% of Metlakatla renter households in Prince Rupert are in core housing need (2016)

Overview

Broad Desired Goal: Metlakatla First Nation strives to have all members living in housing which meets their needs in terms of condition, size, and affordability.

Work Together with Other Groups to Fix Housing: The housing management action strategy focuses on increasing partnerships and communication with other agencies in order to reduce core housing need. The strategy includes 4 prerequisite actions, 7 standard actions, 6 enhanced actions, and 3 stringent actions.

External Implementation Pathway: Off-reserve housing is primarily managed by external agencies, including the federal government, provincial government, and the City of Prince Rupert. Metlakatla will need to work with external agencies to manage and fund housing management actions.

Current Phase of Work: Pilot value, Phase 4 – Developing a management action strategy

Why was housing chosen as a pilot value?

  • Housing is a fundamental right
  • Housing is a priority at all levels of government
  • Major projects contribute to housing pressures
  • Renters face greater housing challenges than owners

Indicators

The condition indicator selected for housing is core housing need. Core housing need is affected by three key stressors: housing adequacy (i.e., physical condition of home), housing affordability (i.e., housing costs), and housing suitability (i.e., crowdedness).

  • Core housing need: % of Metlakatla renter households in core housing need in the City of Prince Rupert
    • Based on measures for adequate housing (i.e., condition), affordable housing and suitable housing (i.e., crowdedness)

Current Condition and Future Trend

Current Condition Results (2016)

42-50% of Metlakatla renter households in Prince Rupert are in core housing need. The main reason depends on the demographic but overall, affordability is the driving issue.

What We Know About Housing (2016)

Housing Adequacy – What is the condition of your home?

  • 13% of rental households reported needing major repairs
  • For owners, the most important housing issue is adequacy

Housing Suitability – How crowded is your home?

  • 15% of renter households reported being overcrowded
  • For youth under the age of 30, the most important housing issue is suitability
  • For families with children, suitability and affordability are important housing issues

Housing Affordability – Is your home affordable?

  • 41% of rental households reported being unaffordable
  • For Elders, the most important housing issue is affordability

Driving Stressor – What is the most important housing issue for Metlakatla renter households?

  • Affordability is the driving stressor

Future Trend

Based on forecasted population changes, rental demand, and proposed development in Prince Rupert, core housing need for Metlakatla renters will likely increase. According to BC Non-Profit Housing Association, Community Development Institute, and Compass Resource Management Ltd.:

  • Prince Rupert total population will increase at a moderate rate of 6% from 2011 to 2036
  • Overall senior (65+) population will increase significantly in Prince Rupert
  • Overall new renter households have been forecasted to increase by 135 to 193 by 2036

Cumulative Effects Management Regime

Broad Desired Goal

Metlakatla First Nation strives to have all members living in housing which meets their needs in terms of condition, size, and affordability.

Tiered Management Triggers

Management Action Strategy

Work Together with Other Groups to Fix Housing: The housing management action strategy focuses on increasing partnerships and communication with other agencies in order to reduce core housing need. The strategy includes 4 prerequisite actions, 7 standard actions, 6 enhanced actions, and 3 stringent actions.

Examples of Management Actions:

  • Stringent Action: Housing Committee pursues partnerships to develop housing targeting core housing need populations.
  • Enhanced Action: Provide the Ready to Rent course to Metlakatla members.
  • Standard Action: Support the City of Prince Rupert in establishing an advisory housing committee with members representing a range of stakeholders.
  • Prerequisite Action: Raise the profile of the CEM housing work to take advantage of the current housing climate in BC and Canada.

Implementation Challenges

  • Requires Broad Approach and Long-term Perspective: Core housing need should be addressed through a variety of actions. Working together with other organizations will encourage a broader approach to solving housing issues over the long term.
  • Capacity Constraints: Effective collaboration with other groups requires hiring new staff or assigning tasks to an existing Metlakatla department or staff member.