The City of Prince George could be moving ahead with a comprehensive strategy to address the growing demand for housing after a report on the issue goes to council Monday, March 24.
The Housing Action Strategy report, prepared by Parcel Economics and Third Space Consulting, looks at both financial and non-financial incentives designed to encourage the development of different types of housing in the city. These could include ownership townhouses, purpose-built apartments, accessory dwelling units and seniors' rental housing.
Read the full report here.
Planning and development director Deanna Wasnik outlines the report in an accompanying summary for council.
She notes that the city’s Housing Needs Report, first conducted in 2021 and updated in 2022 and 2024, identified gaps in the local housing market.
The city received support from the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s (NDIT) Healthy Communities Capacity Building Program to complete the strategy and create a new Housing Development Liaison position.
The strategy outlines a range of incentives, from property tax exemptions and fee reductions to per-unit grants. Non-financial incentives, like faster approvals, upzoning and pre-approved plans, are also considered. The report suggests that while townhouses could be viable without extra support, other housing types —such as apartment rentals and seniors' housing — will need a mix of financial and non-financial incentives to be feasible.
These findings, which drew from feedback from developers and housing professionals, align with the city’s recent Complete Community Study, which also highlighted challenges in making market housing viable, Wasnik wrote.
Financial incentives would require further study, direction and approval by council.
Looking ahead, staff plan to prioritize non-financial incentives, such as zoning bylaw reforms and faster approval processes, which require no significant upfront investment, Wasnik wrote.
The city could also look to work with non-profit housing providers and explore funding opportunities like the NDIT Northern Housing Incentive.
Staff is recommending that council receive the report for information during Monday's meeting.
