SCAHS Awarded $48,000 from REDIP to Advance Small-Scale Housing Solutions

The Sunshine Coast Affordable Housing Society (SCAHS) has been awarded more than $48,000 through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) to identify new strategies and programs that support the development of small-scale housing across the region.

This funding will enable SCAHS to lead a feasibility study focused on creating financial, legal, and resident-led development models for converting single-detached homes into multi-unit properties. The study will explore innovative ways to retrofit existing structures, add secondary or caregiver suites, and incorporate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or duplexes—all aimed at expanding attainable housing options for local residents.

Addressing Housing Challenges and Demographic Change

A shortage of diverse and attainable housing options continues to affect people across the income spectrum. While the Sunshine Coast has a large supply of single-detached houses, most working-age adults can no longer afford them. In 2020, more than half of renters and homeowners in the province spent over 30% of their income on housing costs.

At the same time, many older adults are seeking to downsize into accessible, low-maintenance homes within supportive neighbourhoods. According to Statistics Canada (2023), nearly 30% of Canadian seniors are at risk of social isolation, which can significantly impact physical and mental well-being.

Meanwhile, much of BC’s housing stock remains inefficient, outdated, and ill-equipped to meet modern climate and accessibility standards. Many homes fail to comply with greenhouse gas (GHG) emission guidelines or include climate-resilient systems to withstand the growing impacts of extreme weather events.

Project Objectives

The study will identify practical, replicable solutions to address these challenges through the following objectives:

• Model Development: Design financially viable, resident-led housing solutions with sustainable ownership structures.

• Shared Living: Develop design resources to support shared living models and cooperative arrangements.

• Optimized Processes: Identify cost-effective construction and retrofit designs that emphasize affordability, energy efficiency, accessibility, and climate resilience.

• Citizen Developer Program: Provide tools and training to empower individuals to lead small-scale housing projects in their communities.