Housing affordability and availability, and homelessness are of great concern in the Comox Valley. The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has worked with neighbouring jurisdictions and numerous community service providers to develop materials, conduct research and propose ways of addressing homelessness in the Comox Valley.
Comox Valley Homelessness Supports Service
As the result of a referendum held in 2015, the CVRD established the Homelessness Supports Service (HSS).
The Comox Valley Homelessness Supports Service Establishment Bylaw No. 389 provides for the CVRD to fund one or more non-governmental organization(s) in the Comox Valley based on a Board approved action plan to address homelessness. The Homelessness Supports - Service Delivery Policy provides the framework for delivering the homelessness support service.
HSS Projects and Initiatives
Did you know? Since 2015, HSS funding has supported the creation of over 215 units in the Comox Valley to meet a range of housing needs. Also since 2015, the HSS has contributed over $300,000 to support the operation of Emergency Warming Centres.
CVRD Investments in Community Housing Projects 2016-2024
Housing Categories are based off of the Housing Wheelhouse, developed by the City of Kelowna and now used across BC. The Housing Background - Strategic Planning report provides more information about the Housing Wheelhouse and funding for Comox Valley affordable housing.
Community Planning, Coordination, and Reviews
The local non-governmental organization funded by the HSS to plan, coordinate, recommend and implement community responses to homelessness is the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. This coalition works as a collective and takes strategic action guided by its five-year plan (2019-2024) and its annual housing plan (2023) to end homelessness in the Comox Valley.
Reviewing the HSS on a regular basis helps to ensure that service initiatives and funding are being directed in a way that best supports the changing needs of the community. Two reviews of the Homelessness Supports Service have been completed since the start of the service in 2015: January 2021 and September 2023.
A key recommendation from the September 2023 review is for the CVRD to lead the development of a homelessness needs assessment and community plan. This plan will help guide priorities for investment of HSS Funding and ensure strategic and effective use of resources to address homelessness.
Current Housing & Homelessness Initiatives
Support Through Assessments and Plans
The CVRD is committed to addressing homelessness in the region, evidenced by goal #1 of the Regional Growth Strategy: to ensure the needs of Comox Valley residents are met through affordable and accessible housing, transportation and community services enabled by thoughtful community design.
This goal is being carried out through HSS initiatives that are supported by the following assessments and plans:
- Comox Valley Regional Housing Needs Assessment: In 2020, the CVRD, the Village of Cumberland, the Town of Comox and the City of Courtenay partnered with key community service providers under the Regional Growth Strategy and undertook a Regional Housing Needs Assessment.
- Poverty Reduction Plan: In 2021, the CVRD, the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland and K’ómoks First Nation partnered together to create a local poverty reduction plan: Poverty Reduction Assessment & Strategy. This plan includes an assessment of local poverty and identifies key actions for local government and community partners to reduce poverty in the region.