Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River residents have a chance to give their opinion of what type of housing is needed in the community from now until May 5.
The Enabling Housing Choice North Survey was made live on April 7 and will run for just about a month to help determine effective ways for encouraging and garnering support for a range of housing development in the community.
“It is a survey that asks questions about housing wants and needs in Peace River,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer.
“Council feels the results of the survey will help with future planning and will provide some data,” she adds.
Peace River applied to have the study done, acknowledging that an apartment fire and other issues in the community have increased the need for additional housing.
“We seem to be short of rental accommodations of all types including updated rentals,” says Manzer. “We hear we are short of independent senior’s retirement types of accommodations meaning less yard and other maintenance types. We seem to be short of new beginner homes.
“We have conversations about what is needed but don’t have other independently collected data,” Manzer adds.
“It is my understanding that the study will also be finding out more about what can bring house builders to build in town.”
Manzer says council is hoping the survey will help to determine what type of dwellings are needed in the community. All information collected will help to provide knowledge of planning needs in upcoming years. She adds council recognizes the need for housing diversity.
“Housing diversity supports our diverse community,” Manzer explains.
“We have those that need supportive housing but still want to be independent. We might need more accessible housing. We might need different sizes of housing as family sizes have changed over time.”
The Town is hoping residents will respond to the survey, to provide their opinion on many aspects of housing in Peace River. The survey is open and will close on May 5.
Access this link to respond to the survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_oyIUh_TiACmmKneCk3-2jg7pyvQ
Or access the survey Town of Peace River’s website at www.peaceriver.ca