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Housing Initiatives

British ColumbiaHousing Matters

Types of subsidized housing

Subsidized housing in British Columbia includes public housing managed by BC Housing and buildings operated by non-profit societies and housing co-operatives. 

In 2011/2012, subsidized housing in British Columbia will provide homes for approximately 95,000 households in 200 communities across the province. More than 800 housing providers—non-profit societies and housing co-operatives—manage about 59,300 of these units. BC Housing manages an additional 7,200 public housing units while the remaining approximately 28,500 households receive rent supplements administered through programs such as the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) and Rental Assistance Program.
  1. Public housing: BC Housing manages 7,200 public housing units for low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities.  How to apply.
  2. Non-profit housing: Non-profit housing societies also manage subsidized housing developments across the province, and select tenants for these buildings. Non-profit societies are landlords under the Residential Tenancy Act. How to apply.
  3. Co-operative housing (Co-ops): Housing co-operatives are jointly owned and managed by residents, who become co-operative members. Members participate in decision-making, share the responsibilities of running the co-operative, and select new members. How to apply.
  4. Rent supplements: BC Housing provides rent assistance to seniors and low-income, working families in the private rental market through the following programs:
    • Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters - This program provides direct cash assistance to eligible residents of British Columbia who are age 60 or over and who pay rent for their homes. 
    • Rental Assistance Program - This program provides eligible low-income working families with cash assistance to help with their monthly rent payments.
  5. Low end of market units: Some non-profit and co-operative housing developments have low end market units to rent, as well as rent-geared-to-income units. Market unit rents are set at, or slightly below, the rents charged for similar apartments in the private market.  How to apply.