For a growing number of communities across Vancouver Island, the affordability and availability of housing for new business hires, young professionals and working families is becoming a pressing issue.
Housing workshops have recently been held in Tofino and Courtenay and on March 8 and 9, Economic Development Cowichan and the Cowichan Valley Regional District hosted a dynamic speaker’s event and workshop that explored housing alternatives in the Cowichan Valley.
On Thursday, March 8 internationally acclaimed architect Avi Friedman visited the Cowichan as part of the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s Placemaking Vancouver Island Speaker Series. Avi Friedman is known throughout the planning community in Canada for designing affordable homes and neighborhoods that bring people together. He led a lively discussion exploring innovative housing projects that are happening around the world aimed at promoting affordability.
The following day, Economic Development Cowichan brought together community housing advocates, funding agencies, developers and local government representatives from across the region – and across Western Canada — for a workshop called The Missing Middle: Innovative Solutions to Cowichan’s Housing Needs. The 8:00 am to 2:00 pm workshop featured panels on Inspiring Partnerships and Collaborations, the Zoning and Building Code Environment, and the Changing Financial Landscape for housing (and house buyers) in Cowichan. The event officially opened with an address from the BC Minister of Housing Selina Robinson.
It was an engaging and inspiring two days as the panelists explored practical solutions to addressing housing challenges. For the full list of The Missing Middle event speaker’s and film screenings click Here.
For more information on Chemainus Gardens click Here.
For information on BC’s new HousingHub division click Here
