The Sunshine Coast affordable housing com-mittee is gaining support, but not without some challenges.
Affordable housing committee member Stacia Leech appeared at the June 23 Sunshine Coast Regional District's (SCRD) corporate and administrative services committee meeting seeking approval of the housing committee's plan.
The plan asks for $40,000 in funding, with Leech presenting several funding options to directors, including possible area contributions based on either population, dwellings, assessed values or a blend of the three based on the area. Each amount is also based on area proportion.
West Howe Sound director Lee Turnbull questioned the funding options, saying she felt it was a function that needed to be driven in a different way and should be based on each municipality, adding there is more need in municipal areas than rural areas.
Directors also questioned the committee's request for a co-ordinator, which is a paid position working approximately 60 hours per month.
Both Turnbull and Halfmoon Bay director Garry Nohr questioned this position, with Nohr wanting to see the position as a one-year trial. But in making that request, Nohr said he does support the project and wants to see it progress.
"I think we need to get off our butts and get on with this," Nohr said.
After some further discussion, a motion to support the blended funding option was approved by directors.
Funding
Claudia Ferris, secretary for the Gibsons and District Chamber of Commerce, appeared before directors requesting funding for the new Sunshine Coast visitor information park.
After presenting a report on the project, Ferris, along with treasurer Rinette Lagace, discussed funding options including basing it on population, assessment, a $2,000 per area contribution or a combination of 50 per cent assessment and 50 per cent population.
Directors debated the matter at length, outlining different needs for different areas, and how the park would assist in boosting tourism Coast-wide. Directors finally decided to grant $10,000 for the project, based on the 50/50 option proportionate to each area.
Construction on the park continues with completion by the end of July.
