Housing Information Portal
This portal provides access to a range of information for non-metropolitan communities, in BC and Canada. It includes population and housing data for more than 60 communities.
Launched in 2022 by the Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Northern British Columbia, the research found here will be of significant interest to local governments, planners, developers, builders, and provincial governments.The data highlights the strong links between housing and economic development potential in non-metropolitan BC and Canada.
This portal contains detailed data reports, webinar recordings, conference presentations, and articles published in magazines and journals.
Be sure to check back regularly as new information will be added.
Reports
The following studies identify consistent patterns of housing issues across non-metropolitan BC and Canada and find that housing stock across the country no longer meets community needs and expectations. More data is needed to inform housing programs and policies that support the renewal of the existing housing stock and encourage new construction, and to help communities create service linkages where housing gaps have to be filled by service infrastructure.
This report examines housing affordability and vulnerability in 38 BC communities that comprise the CDI's non-metropolitan BC housing sample. Using 2021 Census data, this report answer the question: "What happened for housing affordability and vulnerability during the COVID-19 lock-down?"
This report examines housing affordability and vulnerability in 39 BC communities that comprise the CDI's non-metropolitan housing sample. Using 2016 Census data, this report found that, in over 28% of our non-metropolitan sample, renters were more vulnerable than renters in Vancouver.
Webinar Recordings
The CDI delivered series of webinars where each session focused on a specific region of the province with detailed information about population trends, housing stock, the housing market. The CDI discussed opportunities for the housing sector, challenges of meeting demand, and strategies that can result in more housing on the ground. Click on Watch Now to view the session of your choice.
Region |
Webinar |
| Building Knowledge: Northeast BC | Watch Now |
| Building Knowledge: Northwest BC | Watch Now |
| Building Knowledge: Central BC | Watch Now |
| Building Knowledge: East Kootenays | Watch Now |
| Building Knowledge: West Kootenays | Watch Now |
| Building Knowledge: Okanagan | Watch Now |
| Building Knowledge: Vancouver Island | Watch Now |
Presentations
The CDI presents research to various organizations and groups to create opportunities for discussions that build awareness and generate insight into housing issues in non-metropolitan British Columbia, Canada, and around the world. Here you will find the PPT slides for our non-metropolitan housing related presentations.
Articles and Media
The CDI's research on non-metropolitan housing across the country has been featured in magazines, journals, and the media, drawing attention to our recommendation for a more focused look at housing challenges, gaps, and opportunities across non-metropolitan British Columbia and Canada.
Lack of housing options hampering community development (Times Colonist Article - Jan 26, 2022)
What's behind increasing home values? (Interview on CBC Daybreak North, January 7, 2022)
Building Foundations for the Future in Non-Metropolitan Canada (Municipal World Fall 2020)
Leaving the City Behind: Is Housing in Non-Metropolitan B.C. Ready? (Planning West Fall 2020)
Funding for this research provided by:
For more Information, contact:
