September 19, 2024
Bassano, like many communities across Canada need for more housing. Not just housing, but housing options that meets the needs of a diverse and growing population.
Over the past several years, the town council has established different incentive programs to promote Bassano while listening to community needs which is part of setting the foundation. Setting the foundation for development and investment is integral because that is what we have control over, creating a development and investment ready community.
The town and its stakeholders/partners are moving forward thoughtfully on different housing projects from a small care home development that if approved will increase the levels of care available within the region for people of different abilities, to independent seniors living homes, and multi-family developments. Although we would like to say these projects happen over night, they do not. Collaboration, preparation, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances is required.
With financial support from the Palliser Economic Partnership, the town commissioned a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). The report was recently approved by town council and provides further evidence of a local housing shortage and the opportunities that are available in Bassano.
The HNA, completed by Oldman River Regional Services Commission provides key takeaways:
- More affordable housing is needed
18.9% of households are unaffordable, up from 12.3% in 2016.
- More small units needed
Demand exceeds supply for units with 1-2 bedrooms. For example, 1-bedroom units comprise 2.8% of total housing stick but 35.2% of households are one-person households.
- More seniors’ housing needed
Newell Housing Foundation has indicated a shortage of Seniors’ housing units. Any added units would allow more Seniors of Bassano to age in place.
- Up to 109 new dwellings needed
By 2041, Bassano could require an additional 109 new dwellings units if the Town experiences a high rate of growth with an average of 2.0 persons per dwelling.
Sustainable growth is necessary. With a growth mindset for our community, the HNA will help action outcomes.
Read the full report here.
