I eagerly dove in to the Pique article on the Housing Needs Survey recently completed by the Village of Pemberton (see Pique, June 22). I was curious to learn how anecdotal evidence of our rental housing crisis would translate into a data-driven, government-mandated report.
The Village of Pemberton’s (VOP) mayor and council have identified housing affordability as a top priority during their mandate. For single households, this affordable median rent was reported to be $973. The report then states the median average rent paid in Pemberton is $1,560.
In order for this to be deemed affordable, a one-person household (or single person, or senior, or young adult) needs a minimum net income of $4,800 per month. It is no wonder the report identifies that Pemberton “has a very dynamic population” with “a 20-per-cent turnover rate.” If we do not have housing for those leaving home after graduation, or for those raising families or those trying to age in place in a community they are deeply connected to, people will continue to leave.
The population of the Pemberton Valley has seen explosive growth, with rental housing costs continuing to soar alongside property prices. One-bedroom rental suites are listing for $1,850 to $2,600 on Craigslist. Newly built townhomes are listing for $1.1 million. There is a bleak financial future here for low- to middle-income earners, and this stark reality is starting to outweigh the amazing benefits of living in our valley. They are moving to other communities where they can get ahead, plan for their future, and comfortably retire. Our community needs people of all income levels and lived experience to function as a modern society.
The report found Pemberton currently lacks at least 139 rental units. This means that there are many in our community who are currently underhoused or even unhoused. This means our local businesses and community services will continue to suffer from staff shortages and staff burnout. This means a less-than-stellar experience for those visiting our village this summer, and into the winter.
Mayor and council’s commitment to affordable housing is laudable. I understand this is meant to be a data collection tool and benchmark for the VOP to apply these statistics to new developments or rezoning requests. However, I am curious to know if there was any consultation with those seeking housing. This report seems to be missing an important piece: the voice of the very people they are trying to help.
