Housing isn’t cheap in Summerland and other British Columbia communities.
According to figures from the first months of this year, the average cost of a single family home in Summerland is approaching $600,000.
And while townhomes are less expensive, supply is low and the costs are still high enough be prohibitive, especially for families with one wage earner. Summerland’s rental rates are no picnic either.
The topic of affordable housing has come up many times over the years in Summerland, but despite the discussions we have had, the need still remains.
It is not feasible to continue with the status quo or to ignore the topic of housing costs in Summerland.
This is a topic which affects the entire community.
Businesses in need of workers are already feeling the effects.
If housing costs are too high in relation to the wages paid, it becomes extremely difficult for local businesses to attract and retain workers.
And if a young family chooses to move elsewhere because of Summerland’s housing costs, their children will not attend local schools. This affects the school district’s enrolment, which has been declining over the years.
If the decline continues, eventually the school district will need to revisit the topic of school closures, and this time Summerland’s schools could be affected.
Housing is an important piece of this community.
That’s why an upcoming report on affordable housing will be so important. In October, municipal council will consider and discuss the various housing options outlined in the consultants’ report.
Various models will be presented and considered, and at present it is too early to determine which options will work best for Summerland.
No matter how the discussion progresses next month, some action will be needed.
Eventually, all of us will be affected by the high costs of housing.