Developing Housing
Solutions on
Cortes Island

Through collaborative efforts and community input, we are developing
housing solutions so every Cortes resident has a place to call home.

Cortes Island Housing Society

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Latest News

Aquifer Project Update

Aquifer Project Update

With clear skies and summer just around the corner, are you concerned about your well water supply and having enough water for crops and household needs? What can we do to protect groundwater sources on Cortes Island and ensure that development is sustainable over the long-term?

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Rainbow Ridge Update

Rainbow Ridge Update

Things are moving ahead at Rainbow Ridge. The land is now cleared for 24 townhomes. Three logging truck loads will be locally milled into timber for our community building. Lower grade wood will provide firewood for islanders and donations to the school wetlands project.

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Trades Program on Cortes

Trades Program on Cortes

A big thanks to everyone who joined us at our “Opportunities in the Trades” forum on April 14th. We had a great discussion about the importance of training the next generation of tradespeople and the resources that are available to support this effort.

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Land Share Models: A Learning Forum

Land Share Models: A Learning Forum

Thanks to everyone who joined us on March 8th to discuss different models of land sharing and to learn from islanders who have decades of experience sharing land on Cortes. It was inspiring to hear about the variety of ways they have managed to make home ownership more affordable.

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Breaking Ground

Breaking Ground

Dear community,
After many years of planning and fundraising for Rainbow Ridge, we will be breaking ground on Monday, February 10th. This first phase of construction will involve felling trees, pulling stumps, and grading the area that will house our utility building and the first 7 homes.

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2024 Year-End Report

2024 Year-End Report

Global housing challenges really hit the news in 2024. You likely heard the national headlines in Canada with new funding programs and initiatives to get more housing built. In many ways, Cortes is a poster child for these challenges with important island contributors like the garbage truck driver moving off island to find affordable land elsewhere. While we certainly have our work cut out for us, 2024 was a banner year for the Cortes Housing Society.

Rental Subsidy Programs

Rental Subsidy Programs

Did you know that BC Housing offers two rental subsidy programs?  One is for families and the other is for seniors.  Check out their on-line calculator to see how much you could save every month: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance-programs

Proposed Zoning Changes on Cortes

Proposed Zoning Changes on Cortes

Perhaps you’ve heard that the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is updating the zoning bylaws that govern development on Cortes.  These bylaws should have been updated to reflect the Official Community Plan (OCP) over a decade ago. As a result, our currently bylaws are quite outdated and this update is a very important opportunity to shape housing on island for the next decade.

Aquifer Study

Aquifer Study

With all this rain, it’s hard to imagine that our island’s natural water systems are vulnerable. Looking to other islands in our region and recognizing changing climates, we absolutely need to be working to protect and preserve our below-ground fresh water. We have recently received notice from the Real Estate Foundation of BC that we were awarded a grant to conduct an aquifer health assessment for Cortes to progress this work here. 

Rainbow Ridge News

Rainbow Ridge News

A big thank you to everyone who pitched in at our work bee on Tuesday. “Many hands make light work”. We were amazed by how much was accomplished in two hours. Our beautiful trails are easier to navigate without the prickles!

Explore the Trades Directory

Connecting residents with local professionals for home improvement, construction, landscaping and more, making it easy to find recommended services in the region.

Cortes Island Housing Society

Explore the Trades Directory

Connecting residents with local professionals for home improvement, construction, landscaping and more, making it easy to find recommended services in the region.

What You Can Do

Three ways you can help.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with our latest news, events and community activities.

Get Involved

Come to our Open Houses & Forums, follow our Speaker Series, and contribute to our Trades Directory.

Donate

Help fund our housing projects and initiatives
with a monthly or one-time donation.

Thank you to our 2023/24 $10K+ funders

And the hundreds of Cortes residents that support our work on an ongoing basis

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