Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke | Affordable Housing for All

Affordable Housing for All

The cost of housing in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke (ESS) has become a barrier to stability for many

families, seniors, and essential workers. Too many residents are faced with skyrocketing rents, long

waits for affordable housing, and an overwhelming lack of options for first-time homebuyers. It is time

for change. We need bold, actionable solutions to address the housing crisis and ensure that every

resident in ESS has access to a safe, affordable, and stable home.

Core Principles

• Housing as a Right – Every resident deserves access to affordable housing, regardless of

income or background.

• People Over Profits – Housing development must prioritize community needs, not market-

driven profits.

• Sustainability and Long-Term Affordability – Solutions must provide permanent affordability

and create housing that remains accessible for generations.

• Local Control and Accountability – Housing decisions must be guided by community input,

local needs, and a commitment to fairness.

Key Measures

1. Publicly Funded Affordable Housing

• We will work with federal, provincial, and municipal governments to fund the construction of

new, publicly owned affordable housing units across ESS. These units will remain permanently

affordable, preventing speculation and ensuring they are available to local residents, not

investors.

• Focus will be placed on mixed-income developments to foster diverse communities and create

lasting, stable neighborhoods.

2. Rent-to-Own Program

• We will implement a rent-to-own program, allowing tenants to build equity over time and

eventually transition from renters to homeowners. This will be particularly valuable for working

families and individuals who are struggling to save for a down payment.

• Eligibility will be based on income, and a portion of the rent will go towards purchasing the

home, making homeownership more accessible.

3. Community Land Trusts

• Establishing Community Land Trusts (CLTs) will allow local residents to collectively own and

manage land, providing a permanent solution to affordable housing. This will help prevent land

speculation and keep housing prices in check, as the land remains in the hands of the

community rather than private developers.

4. Affordable Housing for Essential Workers

• Recognizing the importance of essential workers, we will prioritize the creation of affordable

housing options for teachers, healthcare workers, and other critical community members. This

will include dedicated housing co-ops, as well as subsidized rental and ownership opportunities

to make living in ESS feasible for those who serve our community.

5. Incentives for Developers to Build Affordable Units

• We will introduce incentives such as tax breaks, low-interest loans, and fast-tracked approvals

for developers who commit to including at least 30% affordable units in new developments.

• Developers will be encouraged to build mixed-use, sustainable communities that integrate

affordable housing into the broader development, ensuring diversity and inclusivity.

6. Fast-Tracking Housing Approvals

• To address the urgent need for affordable housing, we will work to streamline approval

processes for affordable housing projects, cutting unnecessary red tape and reducing

construction delays.

• This will include the establishment of an affordable housing task force to expedite permits,

ensuring that the construction of affordable units is not hindered by bureaucratic obstacles.

Outcomes

• By 2028, 1,500+ affordable housing units will be developed in ESS.

• 500 families will have access to the rent-to-own program, transitioning from renters to

homeowners.

• Workforce housing initiatives will provide affordable living for essential workers, allowing them

to live in the communities they serve.

Affordable housing is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right. In Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, we must

prioritize the creation of housing that serves people, not profits. My commitment to tackling this crisis

head-on means ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the housing they need and

deserve. The Housing for All Mission will provide real, lasting solutions to the housing affordability crisis,

ensuring that future generations can thrive in our community.

Together, we can build a future where everyone has a home in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke

Authorized by the Official Agent for Param Bhatti

© 2025 Official Campaign for Param Bhatti