VILLAGE OF SLOCAN
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION

 

 

TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT – TIMELINE

2017 Formation of the Slocan Affordable Housing Advisory Commission
2018 Commission-led research on housing inventory, needs of the community, identifying stakeholders, vision, and potential housing sites.
January 2019 Potential Village-owned sites presented to Council for consideration. Several ruled out for various reasons including size limitation, location, underground infrastructure, etc.
April 2019 Site visit of Lots 1-5 and 18-20 of Block 43, determined land could potentially be suitable for housing – land is relatively flat, a power source is existing at the site, and water is easily accessible. Further investigation required to determine absolute feasibility of the land.
May 1, 2019

AFFORDABLE HOUSING – SURVEY

The Affordable Housing Commission was appointed by Village Council in 2017, to gather information and provide recommendations to Council on future housing needs in Slocan. The Commission has created this short survey on affordable housing – the information collected is for research purposes only, and submissions are anonymous.

Paper copies were available at the Village Office for those without access to the internet. Surveys were collected until May 31, 2019.

THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RESULTS!

March 2020 At the May 2019 meeting, Council authorized staff to work with members of the Affordable Housing Commission on a grant application to complete a Feasibility Analysis for an affordable housing project in Slocan on Lots 1-5 and 18-20 of Block 43.

In July 2019, funded by a CBT Grant and an RDCK Community Development Grant, a service contract was signed with M’akola Development Services to complete a Feasibility Analysis. The Analysis included information on the overall vision, need, cost breakdown, project detail, and potential funding programs, and showcased several funding scenarios available to build capacity for this project to move forward.

Since then, staff and members of the Commission have been working together to compile the information for the analysis. M’akola came to Slocan in October 2019 to present the first draft analysis to Council. After hearing the presentation, Council had the opportunity to comment and ask questions. On February 10th, 2020 Council received the final draft analysis and invited M’akola to present the final draft at a meeting on March 9th. The analysis included information on the overall vision, need, detailed site analysis, breakdown of project costs including capital budget, potential funding programs, and project details. Makola’s intention was to showcase the funding available for the project, and to build capacity for this project to move forward with pursuing public funding. In addition to the analysis, Makola prepared a draft seed funding application with CMHC to pursue preliminary funding to move the project forward.

Council further directed staff to begin preparations for the re-zoning of Lots 1-5 and 18-20 of Block 43 from R1: Residential to R3: Multi-Family Residential.

At the regular meeting of March 9, 2020 Council approved submission of the CMHC seed funding application for affordable housing pre-development costs.

April 2020 The Village received confirmation that the CMHC funding application was approved, awarding the Village $29,000.
$13,000 – No repayment required.
$16,000 – Repayment Required.
·         The Village will not be required to pay interest on this loan amount until the “Maturity Date”. The Maturity Date shall be the earlier of: (a) the date on which the Village receives project financing to advance the project; or (b) the 3rd year anniversary of the effective date of the Agreement; or (c) the date on which the Village notifies CMHC that the project has been discontinued; or (d) the date of a Notice of Termination by either party.
·         Interest on the repayment amount will commence on the 30th day following the Maturity Date, at a rate per annum equal to Canada Prime Rate plus 2%, and calculated semi-annually and not in advance. CMHC, in its sole discretion, may decide to waive the interest (or any part thereof) following the Maturity Date, where the Borrower is in good standing under this Agreement.
·         If and when the Village is in receipt of Project Financing, the Village shall instruct the lender to directly disburse to CMHC the entirety of the Repayment Amount in the first advance under the Project Financing, unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties.
April 2020 A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued, to hire an architectural firm to complete a schematic design for the project. Five proposals were received.
June 2020 Cover Architecture, based out of Nelson BC, was successfully hired to complete the pre-development and conceptual design work for this project, total contract value $15,381 (plus taxes and travel).
July 2020 Council passed official resolution to support the rezone and lane closure. First and second readings to the bylaws (Zoning/OCP/Lane Closure) were carried, and a Public Hearing was scheduled for August 10th, 2020:
“WHEREAS Slocan Village Council wishes to utilize Village-owned land for the purpose of constructing an affordable housing complex within the Village of Slocan, and has deemed Village-owned lots 1-5 and 18-20 of Block 43, in the Village of Slocan, to be most appropriate for constructing an affordable housing complex;
AND WHEREAS Council supports the re-designation of Village-owned property, Lots 1-5 and 18-20, Block 43, Plan 496, District Lot 292, Kootenay Land District, in the Village of Slocan, as contained in the Village Zoning and OCP Bylaws, from C1: Highway Commercial (Lots 1-5) and R-1: Residential Zone (Lots 18-20) to R3: Multi-Family Residential Zone;
AND WHEREAS Council supports, in principle, the closure of a portion of Village laneway within Block 43;
AND WHEREAS it is agreed by Council that the re-designation, laneway closure, and construction of an affordable housing complex is subject to public consultation, provincial approval, and funding;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council introduce and give first and second readings to the Village of Slocan Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. ___, 2020’
AND THAT Council introduce and give first and second readings to the Village of Slocan Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. ____, 2020;
July 2020 Makola contract signed to carry out consulting services throughout the duration of the housing project, pending successful funding.
August 10, 2020 Public Hearing
August 10, 2020 Regular Meeting – resolution to table 3rd readings of the Slocan Zoning Amendment Bylaw, Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw, and Road Closure & Dedication Removal Bylaw.
Sept 14, 2020 Regular Meeting – Housing petition received from Springer/Slocan Street resident group. Resolution to send letter to petition representative advising that the Village will host a public meeting on the Housing Project to present draft plans, and to provide an opportunity for questions and comments. Council further tabled third readings until such time council is prepared to do so.
November 30, 2020 A special meeting was held to hear from the Springer/Slocan Street residents and answer questions about the project.

Staff provided a presentation on the project, capturing the Village’s Housing efforts from 2017 to date.

Click here to view the presentation.

January 12, 2021

Special Meeting – JANUARY 12, 2021
PRESENTATION OF DRAFT HOUSING PLANS

Click the link below to join the meeting:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/322545565

Or dial in by telephone:
1-647-497-9391
Access Code 322-545-565

  • Cover Architecture will be in attendance to present the draft 8-unit plan.
  • M’akola Development Services will be in attendance to speak to the administrative aspects of the project.
  • Public participation period will be held after the presentations.

*IF YOU MISSED THE PRESENTATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO WATCH A RECORDING OF THE MEETING.

*Click here to view a PDF copy of the presentation

April 15, 2021

HOUSING SURVEY

At the January 13, 2021 meeting, council passed a resolution to direct staff to prepare an information package on the Affordable Housing Project, and a Public Opinion Survey, to better gauge the support of the community.

A survey and information package was mailed out to all Slocan PO Boxes on March 5, 2021. Residents were provided a paper copy survey, as well as an electronic survey link if they chose to complete the survey online. The survey was set up to eliminate any duplicate entries.

As noted on the survey, the public have been made aware that this was an informal public opinion survey and was in no way a vote, referendum, or alternate approval process. It was not mandatory, nor regulated by any level of government or legislation. The respondent’s personal information would not be shared publicly, in accordance to the Freedom of Information & Privacy Protection Act, and survey results reported out would be generalized.

The survey closed on March 31. The Village received 134 responses.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE HOUSING SURVEY RESULTS

 

June 14, 2021

Pre-Development Funds (PDF)

On May 28th, staff received correspondence from BC Housing, that the Village’s project proposal, submitted under the Community Housing Fund Request for Proposals has been reviewed and selected to proceed.

M’akola Development Services, the Village’s housing consultants, attended the June 14th regular meeting, to provide an presentation to Council and the public on important details pertaining to the funding opportunity and next steps.

BC Housing requires a response from the Village, with Council’s acceptance/not acceptance of funding. As noted in the M’akola Report, accepting award of funding does not guarantee the project moves forward, but gives the Village an opportunity to accept the PDF (Pre-Development Funding) to complete the due diligence work (water/septic, etc) and confirm that the site and project are viable from a developmental site use perspective. The PDF request amount is approximately $350,000 (estimated and subject to change).

Diligence work through the PDF phase includes:

  • Finalization of environmental site assessment, phase 1;
  • Preparation of civil design package (water, stormwater management plan);
  • Procurement and preparation of a septic study/wastewater management plan that identifies capacity of the site;
  • Completion of a geotechnical review of the site;
  • Continue to work with Council, community, and architect to refine the schematic level drawings and present to BCH;
  • Finalization of full schematic design package;
  • Procurement of energy modelling consultant to begin working on building design to meet Provincial Step Code Requirements;
  • Continue to work with Village to finalize rezoning of the site;
  • Conduct community consultation to refine and develop site plan to reflect community cohesion with neighbouring properties;
  • Procurement of construction contractor to complete pre-construction services, including preliminary costing, design team procurement, and preparation of submitting a DP application;
  • Work with procurement team and Village staff/Council to finalize application and issuance of DP permit.
The Village, in partnership with its appointed Housing Advisory Commission has been working on investigating housing opportunities for Slocan since 2017. Grant funds were accessed to further the investigation, and a Feasibility Analysis was completed M’akola Development Services in 2019 for a proposed site, Lots 1-5 and 18-20 of Block 43. In 2020, The Village was successful in receiving 29,000 through CMHC, for pre-development costs and conceptual design work. Preliminary plans for an 8-unit affordable housing complex were presented by COVER Architecture on January 12, 2020. In April 2021, a survey and information package was mailed to Slocan residents, to better gauge the support of the community. The Village received 134 responses, and the end result concluded that 70.9% were in support of the project, and 29.1% not in support.

Council passed a resolution to accept the pre-development funds from BC Housing, to complete the required due-diligence work.

September 2022

New Location Announced

At the September 2022 regular meeting, Slocan Council announced its intention to re-locate the Affordable Housing Project from the proposed site on the corner of Slocan St and Giffin Ave, to the former Curling Club Lands. The new location would provide better access, and is directly adjacent to family amenities such as the school, outdoor recreation (courts, skate park, pump track), community services (youth center, daycare, computer lab, food bank), and the downtown core.

“Since the formation of the Slocan Affordable Housing Advisory Commission of Council in 2017, the Village has been actively researching options for affordable housing in Slocan. The Village was successful with grant funding, and procured M’akola Development Services to complete a feasibility analysis, and to provide consulting support throughout the duration of the project. The analysis included information on the overall vision, need, cost breakdown, project detail, and potential funding programs, and showcased several funding scenarios available to build capacity for this project to move forward. The Village issued an RFP and procured COVER Architecture to complete a schematic design for the 8-unit project, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. At a special meeting in March 2020, Council directed staff to begin preparations for the rezoning of Lots 1-5 and 18-20 of Block 43 to Multi-Family Residential. Due to some concerns coming forward from the community on the location, Council passed a motion to table the rezoning until more information could be provided. The Village published a survey in April 2021 to gather additional feedback from the community on the need for affordable housing, and developing a project in Slocan, and the results demonstrated that the majority of Slocan residents were in favour. An application to BC Housing was submitted in January 2021 for pre-development costs and the capital works, and was successful. Due to the concerns of the proposed project location, Council went back to the table to investigate alternate locations. After lengthy discussion, it was decided that the Village would pursue a new location, the former Curling Club site. The Village has been working closely with M’akola and BC Housing, and both are very optimistic about the location change. The new location would provide better access, and is directly adjacent to family amenities such as the school, outdoor recreation, and the downtown core.”
December 1, 2022 M’akola attended a special Committee-of-the-Whole meeting to provide a recap of the Affordable Housing Project to-date, to the newly-elected Council. Representatives from the Slocan Valley Housing Society were in attendance to present a verbal update on the Society’s past, current, and future projects and initiatives.
January 16, 2022 Council allocated $10k from the RDCK Community Development Fund, to complete Slocan Affordable Housing Project due diligence work at the new site (topographic survey, legal survey, lot consolidation). A letter will be sent to the RDCK requesting a matching contribution amount, as well as to Columbia Basin Trust.
April 18, 2023

Slocan Valley Housing Society Partnership

Discussions with the Slocan Valley Housing Society regarding potential partnership had begun in 2021, and at the regular meeting of April 18, 2023 Council announced their intention to enter into an operating partnership with the Slocan Valley Housing Society, and execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the relationship between the Village and the Society with regards to the Slocan Affordable Housing Project.

The MOU simply defines:

  • The Purpose: “to outline the understanding between the Village and the Society regarding the intention to dispose of municipal land to support an affordable housing development for families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and individuals” (as defined and required by BC Housing);
  • The Land: “The Village of Slocan is the registered owner of the lands legally described as Lots 1-20, Block 34, DL 292, Plan 496; the “Property”;
  • Procedure: “Subject to proper procedure, the Village intends to transfer a portion of the north end of the Property, formerly known as the ‘Curling Club Lands’, to the SVHS on condition that the Society develop and maintain affordable housing targeted at families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and individuals on the Property in accordance with an operating agreement, Section 219 Covenant, and/or other related agreements between the Society and BC Housing.”
  • Responsibilities:
    – the Society will be responsible for the maintenance, operations and property management of the units following building occupancy;
    – the Society and the Village agree to promote to the residents of Slocan and surrounding area their intention to develop, construct, and manage affordable residential housing in the Village;
    – the Village agrees to initiate rezoning of the Property to accommodate the housing project;
    – the Village agrees to complete demolition of existing structures on the Property (Curling Club) prior to the transfer of property;
    – the Village of Slocan agrees to provide additional letters of support for ongoing funding applications associated with project costs on an as-needed basis;
    – the MOU shall be contingent on BC Housing funding approval.
August 16, 2023