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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.
We’re Hiring
The Cortes Housing Society is looking for a part-time Construction Manager to engage in a 6-month contract (with potential to extend). The Construction Manager will be responsible for on-site supervision of construction efforts for the Rainbow Ridge Project. Responsibilities will also include but are not limited to planning, budgeting, subcontractor procurement, and ensuring compliance with project designs and specifications.
Input Needed: Designing and Launching A Home Sharing Program on Cortes
The Cortes Housing Society is launching a home sharing service on Cortes. Last March we hosted a Home Sharing Forum, interviewing Janey Rowland and Noelle Marcus about their innovative projects to boost home sharing in their communities.
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
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 As a result, our currently bylaws are quite outdated and this update is a very important opportunity to shape housing on island for the next decade.
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!
Fall Workbee
Volunteers Needed: Oct 15th from 2-4 PM
We are looking for folks to help spread woodchips and do some light weeding on our beautiful public trail network at Rainbow Ridge. We will meet up at the driveway entrance between the firehall and the skatepark. Please bring shovels and rakes if you have them.
Two offers and an Ask
Greetings-
The Cortes Housing Society is spreading the word about available rentals for both shop space and housing, as well as spreading the word about other housing related opportunities outside of the direct CHS involvement including the possibility of lending funds to help a Cortes resident purchase property here.
Housing Updates and New Members on the Team
Happy Harvest Season!
As we harvest and enjoy the fruits of our garden labors, we are also gearing up with important housing opportunities that I’d like to update you on. We’ve had a busy summer, settling the CCHA doctors into their new house on our Community Land Trust project at Orchard Village (the name of our new property at 671 Sutil Pt Rd), as well as planning to initiate building housing on Rainbow Ridge…
Your Voice For More Housing is Needed This Week
Please Weigh-in On Zoning Changes Manson’s Hall, Thursday, 4-6:30 PM
In June, you joined us at our home-seekers forum. At that time, we discussed the importance of sharing your perspectives on the housing needs in our community. Well, the time has come and your voice is needed this Thursday at Manson’s Hall!
Rooms for Rent in Community Housing
The Cortes Housing Society is renting the 4 bedroom home in our newly created community land trust project at 671 Sutil Pt Rd…
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.
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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