FAQ

We’re Listening

Here is a list of questions that people sometimes ask.

If you have a question that is not addressed below, please feel free to contact us.

General FAQs

What is “Affordable Housing”?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) housing is considered to be affordable when a household spends less than 30% of its pre-tax income on adequate shelter. Households that spend more than 30% of their income on adequate shelter are deemed to be in core housing need.
Why does Galiano need affordable housing?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) housing is considered to be affordable when a household spends less than 30% of its pre-tax income on adequate shelter. Households that spend more than 30% of their income on adequate shelter are deemed to be in core housing need.
How much affordable housing is needed on Galiano?
The Islands Trust 2025 Housing Needs Assessment projects that there will be a need for an additional 132 homes over the next 5 years and 426 homes over the next 20 years on Galiano Island.
How is Rent Geared to Income, (RGI), calculated?

RGI is calculated at 30% of total gross household income.

What are “Affordable Market Rates”?
Affordable Market Rates are rents equal to, or lower than, average rates in the local private-market.
What is an accessible unit?
An accessible unit is one built to meet accessibility standards set out in the provincial building code for residents requiring barrier free wheelchair access.
What is the difference between “secure housing” and “affordable housing”?
Secure Housing refers to security of tenure. With secure housing, unlike in the private rental market, residents in good standing will never face eviction due to their home being sold, an owner or family member moving in, “renovictions” in order to increase rent or other owner driven factors beyond their control.

Thuthiqut Hulelum’ FAQs

What are the rents for the units?

Affordable rents for the housing units will be set in accordance with the terms of the Housing Agreement for the project held by the Islands Trust, and the requirements of project funders. This will result in different levels of rental subsidy, depending on the mix of residents and unit types.

Will rents for all 20 units be subsidized?

Affordable rents for the housing units will be set in accordance with the terms of the Housing Agreement for the project held by the Islands Trust, and the requirements of project funders. This will result in different levels of rental subsidy, depending on the mix of residents and unit types.

Will any accessible units be included?

Four units, (20% of the total number of units), are proposed to meet accessibility standards set out in the provincial building code for residents requiring barrier free wheelchair access.  Our design will also consider incorporating adaptable accessibility features into some of the larger family oriented units to accommodate family members with mobility challenges.

What other amenities will be provided?
Shared laundry facilities are planned. GALI is hoping to support gardens, shared garden equipment, and a children’s play area. We will also explore funding for possible car and bike shares.
How will tenants be selected?

Residents will be selected based on the eligibility criteria in the Islands Trust Housing Agreement, and the requirements of project funders.

How will the property be maintained?

GALI will continue in the role of property management and will employ a caretaker to ensure that standards are kept up and that the site and buildings remain in good condition for all residents.

What environmental provisions are you considering?

GALI’s current building design, included in our application to BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund, is intended to meet or exceed BC Energy Step Code requirements for a Step 4 building (40% more efficient than the requirements of the base BC Building Code).

We will be seeking funding, public and possibly private, to bring these homes up to, or as close as possible to, net zero standards. How close we get to that target will depend on funding received.