Housing survey seeks input from City of WL/Central Cariboo residents'

 Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional District are asking local residents to share their opinions on housing in the region, with the launch of an online survey regarding the types of homes most urgently needed in the Central Cariboo and Chilcotin.

The survey is part of a housing study encompassing a broad area stretching from Anahim Lake (Ulkatcho) in the west to Likely/Horsefly in the east, 150 Mile House in the south and McLeese Lake in the north. The study will focus on the housing needs in Williams Lake, with an impact analysis of the population flow from other communities and the broader region that feeds into and moves between Williams Lake and outlying areas.

 “Demand for housing is growing, both in our city and across the region,” notes Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb. “This is the right time to gather the information we need -- to maximize housing affordability and availability as interest in the Cariboo and Chilcotin grows among potential home buyers.”

CitySpaces, a Vancouver-based consulting firm, was awarded the project contract. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company designed an engagement strategy allowing residents to participate via online or paper survey, so that feedback can be gathered without the need to hold public meetings.

The online survey is now available at: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/CentralCaribooHousingStudy. Paper versions of the survey will also be made available at designated locations (locations to be announced) or by request from the City of Williams Lake or Cariboo Regional District.

“We know that demand outpaces supply when it comes to support for housing initiatives,” says CRD chair Margo Wagner. “Up-to-date statistics and public feedback help us build strong arguments for funding. We also gain a better sense of the types of housing most desired by residents of the region. With both in hand we can develop effective policies and programs to match the housing needs of the Cariboo and Chilcotin.”

The study is scheduled to be completed and made available to the public in December 2020. To take part in the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/CentralCaribooHousingStudy.