The Housing Landscape in B.C.
A growing and more complex housing need Population groups that are growing faster than the overall population face greater barriers to secure housing. The number of seniors aged 75+ is expected to increase by 30% from 2024 to 2030. In addition, B.C.’s Indigenous population is anticipated to grow faster than the non-Indigenous population, with a potential increase of 56% by 2041. The 2023 Report on Homeless Counts in B.C. identified 11,352 individuals experiencing homelessness, up from 8,665 in 2020/21. The actual numbers are likely much higher. At the same time, mental health and addiction issues are increasing the need for complex care services. Isolation and loneliness continue to be a problem for many people of all ages in British Columbia. Equity-seeking populations are at greater risk The housing crisis has deepened inequality, and this trend will likely accelerate with economic uncertainty. Those seeing the most severe impacts include seniors, Indigenous Peoples, women and children affected by violence, people of colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and people for whom English is not their first language. Housing supply challenges Despite significant investment from all orders of government, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) 2023 estimates, B.C. is projected to have a housing supply gap of up to 610,000 units by 2030, though slower population growth would narrow that gap. 1 Both the non-profit and private sectors face significant barriers to meeting the current housing need in B.C., including decades of housing under-supply, lengthy approval processes, high development costs, and tight labour conditions. Economic uncertainty will continue to disrupt supply chains important for housing construction, likely leading to further delays and additional costs.
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Strategy2030: Taking Action to Build a Better Future
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