Kelowna council is getting a look at the citysa国际传媒檚 current state of housing affordability.

A staff report will sa国际传媒減rovide background and context for issues related to housing and an opportunity to review the citysa国际传媒檚 current approach and planned activities.sa国际传媒�

As Canadasa国际传媒檚 fastest-growing metropolitan area, Kelowna continues to struggle with housing affordability.

READ MORE: Kelowna third fastest growing city in Canada

The report states that monthly mortgage costs for the average detached home sold in Kelowna in 2022 exceeded $6,000, and the average monthly cost for a condo sold in 2022 was nearly $3,000.

sa国际传媒淭he average Kelowna household earned $105,300 in 2020. At this level, monthly mortgage cost alone (excluding other shelter costs) for a condo would occupy 34 per cent of their pre-tax income and 41 per cent of their after-tax income, suggesting that the average household would be hard-pressed to afford ownership housing.sa国际传媒�

According to the rental market website Zumper, as of Jan 14. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city was $1,970, and a two-bedroom rented for $2,250.

sa国际传媒淭he low vacancy rates in the rental market and the corresponding high costs have cascading impacts through our housing system, leading ultimately to elevated levels of homelessness and shelter use,sa国际传媒� the city report states.

READ MORE: sa国际传媒榃e are going to be kissing balconiessa国际传媒�: Neighbours say Kelowna apartment project too tall

Staff pointed out that the housing supply is responding to increased demand, with the city issuing permits for over 11,500 new homes over the past five years.

The report says Kelowna has long been a leader in addressing housing affordability including being an early adopter of secondary suites and carriage homes, incentives that have generated over 5,000 new market rental units currently, and streamlined development processes.

sa国际传媒淥ur housing affordability challenges would be more severe if these actions had not been taken. Nevertheless, given the persistence of our housing affordability challenges, staff suggest that further action is still required.sa国际传媒�

The report will be presented to council Jan. 23.

READ MORE: 10-year tax break for rental-only developments in Kelowna

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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