Glossary
Accessibility: Accessibility is the work we do to ensure that all people can participate in society on an equal basis with others. Accessibility seeks to improve access by changing the way we design buildings, policies, programs, as well as the assumptions and attitudes we hold, to improve opportunities for equal participation. Adequate housing: Housing that does not require any major repairs, according to residents. Major repairs include those to defective plumbing or electrical wiring, or structural repairs to walls, floors or ceilings. Affordable housing: In Canada, housing is considered “affordable” if it costs less than 30% of a household’s before- tax income. Affordable housing is a broad term that can include housing provided by the private, public and non-profit sectors, and may be rental, ownership, co-operative ownership, temporary or permanent. Belonging: The level of security and comfortability that a person experiences when they are accepted, included, and supported. At work, feelings of belonging support engagement, performance, and well-being.
Affordable housing A theme arising during our engagements was the challenge around the term “affordable housing”. While many of our programs aim to help people in B.C. afford their housing, the term now has different meanings and the standard measure of housing affordability — that shelter costs are no greater than 30% of a household’s total before-tax income — does not account for other important considerations for how and where people live or their overall wellbeing. For this reason, Strategy2030 strategic pillars, outcomes and actions do not refer to affordable housing but use other terms to define the type and quality of the housing we aim to deliver, such as “homes that people need,” accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.
Strategy2030: Taking Action to Build a Better Future
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