I am writing in response to the article published on Sept. 12 under the headline ‘Sidney is a great place to live, but working there may be out of reach’.
Sidney Council recognizes that affordable housing is a critical issue in Sidney; this is consistently reflected in our decision-making and Council’s Strategic Plan.
For instance:
- From 2018-2023, Council approved the development of approximately 190 purpose-built rental apartments and 360 condominium units, as well as approximately 63 townhouses. This is in addition to building permits for duplexes and single-family dwellings.
- To date in 2024, Council has already approved development proposals to create 297 new residential units including 28 below-market rental units Sidney.
- In June, the Province issued a housing target order of 468 units over the next five years in Sidney. The Town is pleased to be working toward this target, which we consider achievable.
- Sidney’s recently updated Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and Strategic Plan all prioritize creating conditions to help increase housing and housing types in our community, including different levels of affordability.
- These plans also emphasize the importance of creating a balanced community with a wide-ranging demographic. Council’s ongoing commitment to creating and improving parks, while also enhancing active transportation, are just some examples of how we are striving to make Sidney a welcoming community for families and people of all ages.
Sidney Council and Town staff recognize the availability of workforce housing is one of the greatest limiting factors faced by local businesses today. This was a key finding in the Town’s 2023 Economic Development Plan, and the rationale behind an internal restructuring in Town Hall to create an economic development lead within the planning department.
Contrary to some statements made in the article, Council is committed to alleviating housing pressures locally, while recognizing it is a complex issue being faced by communities throughout B.C. and Canada.
