The fact that the Islands Trust does not currently enforce on non-compliant dwellings (excepting those which pose health and safety risks), is a stop gap for the housing crisis on Gabriola.
There are a number of reasons that having the current ‘hold’ on enforcement of those dwellings is a good thing.
People need homes.
For a good portion of Gabriolans, that home is currently considered non-compliant.
And – on an island where bylaw enforcement is already done through a complaint-driving process – this is currently working out.
Homes posing health and safety risks, if reported to the Islands Trust and Regional District can still be inspected, and guided through a process of compliance.
But – that all changes if the island votes in Trustees who have a less tolerant view on allowing non-compliant homes to continue existing.
Secure housing is top of mind for everyone.
It cannot be healthy for people living in non-compliant homes to have to wonder if each election cycle, this will be the one where Trustees decide to remove that standing resolution.
It certainly doesn’t appear to be something the current LTC has on their radar to change.
Our next local government elections (Islands Trust, RDN, School Board) will be in 2026.
Participation in the review of the Gabriola Official Community Plan – including the expanding discussion on housing, is of utmost need for everyone who wants to see something a change – or not – in how we build housing on Gabriola.
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