Osoyoos Council to Amend Affordable Housing Policies Amid Program Critiques

The Town of Osoyoos is set to overhaul its affordable housing program, with council voting to repeal an old bylaw and modify the Official Community Plan. A public hearing on these changes will be held on October 13.

In a move to address the perceived ineffectiveness of its affordable housing program, which has struggled to create many rental opportunities for moderate-income families despite being in place since 2010, the Council of the Town of Osoyoos has voted to repeal an old bylaw and amend the Osoyoos Official Community Plan. The decision comes after staff found that the Near Market Affordable Housing program did not generate significant affordable housing options.

The council's decision will be put on hold until a public hearing scheduled for October 13, where stakeholders can voice their opinions on the proposed changes. Although the council aims to repeal the bylaw, they have made it clear that they are not against all forms of affordable housing initiatives.