Policy Advocacy for Affordable Housing on Bowen Island

This thesis employs a case study approach to review housing policy development in the small rural island municipality of Bowen Island, B.C.. The aim of this work is to facilitate policy change that will remove barriers to affordable housing options that would help alleviate the housing crisis on the island. Lack of affordable housing solutions and interventions are an ongoing and worsening problem, and are a leading cause of homelessness in Canada. This research highlights the history of housing policy at the federal level and the policy-making trends at the provincial, municipal, and community levels. Using an Ecological/Systems Change theoretical approach and Community Psychology as a framework, this research identified several factors during a policy review of local municipal policy processes and outcomes to inform the work of future policy makers and advocates to inspire change for housing justice in our communities. This research is also intended to support community collaborations and empowerment for our most vulnerable populations. The findings of this research could help inform the work of community practitioners and policy makers in housing across our country. A number of potential affordable housing options and policy recommendations are offered. Few studies have examined the barriers to policy development at the rural level. This thesis attempts to add to this research.

Publication Date: 
2016