Coquitlam residents will get their chance to weigh in on the city's draft housing affordability strategy at an open house next week.
Jim McIntyre, Coquit-lam's general manager of planning and development services, said the meeting will give the public an opportunity to learn about the plan and offer input. He noted that while the authority for the affordable housing issue generally rests with higher levels of government, the city can play a role.
"It is clearly a federal and provincial responsibility," McIntyre said. "But when we go through a rezoning application and our development procedures, it can become an issue."
Since October 2014, city staff have been meeting with stakeholders and housing advocates to develop the draft plan. That document will be presented at next week's meeting and feedback can be provided on how to fund any initiatives and potential trade-offs, according to a city press release.
The strategy is broken up into four parts. The first section looks at ways the city can foster market innovation while another section discusses a flexible housing fund; a third portion of the document focuses on affordable living while the final portion discusses building partnerships.
McIntyre acknowledged the issue is complex and both staff and council have considerable work to do in putting together the strategy.
"It is not going to be an easy council task," he said. "We hope that through this consultation process are able to provide them with some good information."
The public input opportunity will take place at Coquitlam city hall (3000 Guildford Way) on Wednesday, April 8, between 4 and 8 p.m. Staff will be on hand to answer questions from residents.
@GMcKennaTC
