Strathcona Regional District Seeks Support For A Regional Housing Service

The Strathcona Regional District is looking for voters to give them the go-ahead to borrow money toward a regional housing service.

An alternative approval process will take place as the SRD looks to borrow up to $10 million for the purpose. If approved, the Regional District would be able to address a variety of housing challenges in the region including seniors housing, workforce housing, and other social housing issues either directly or in partnership with third parties such as housing societies.

The SRD would not automatically borrow capital funds or incur debt, but the borrowing authority would provide a source of capital when and if needed, as staff enters into agreements with housing societies and other entities to develop solutions that are customized to community needs and conditions.

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) is used to gauge support and obtain legislative approval from electors and is often favoured due to its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional voting referenda. For the regional housing service to be approved, it requires that less than 10% of qualified electors throughout the Strathcona Regional District (34,560 electors) submit an objection through an elector response form.

The AAP will run for 55 days and is scheduled to close at 12:00 noon on January 2, 2024.

More information about the proposed regional housing service and elector response forms can be found at Strathcona Regional District.