October 14, 2020 – A significant milestone in the drive for affordable housing on Salt Spring Island has been achieved with the accepting of applications for the Salt Spring Commons housing development in preparation for January occupancy of the first 12 units of Phase 1.
Occupancy permits for the Phase 1 buildings, as well as the Common House are expected before year end. The second round of Phase II occupancy of a further 12 units is expected in May, 2021. The Common House will house a community room for classes, childcare, birthday parties and other gatherings as well as shared laundry with commercial washers and dryers.
Salt Spring Commons consists of 24 two and three bedroom townhomes designed as long term rental for Salt Spring families. The units range in size from 900 to over 1700 square feet and are a mix of rental formulas from shelter rates of $700/month for those eligible, to low-end market rates of $1650/month. The remaining units are ‘Rent Geared to Income’ with upper and lower limits set by BC Housing formulae.
Thanks to the generosity of a principal funder for the project, the Powell Street Foundation, the project boasts of being a state of the art, and one of the largest solar project in the Gulf Islands. The grid-tied solar on the development’s Common House building will power electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, landscape lighting and shared laundry. A system of 220 solar panels is expected to supply about 30% of the domestic energy needs for the townhomes.
Set in a 3-acre forest setting, the Commons will feature a Community Garden and shared fruit trees and berries integrated into the landscaping. Walking trails through forestlands provide pedestrian access to Ganges, Mouat Park as well as all the village amenities and services.
The development is owned and operated by Salt Spring Island Community Services, who are accepting the rental applications, submitted through the BC Housing Registry for families with income between $30,000 and $80,000. Applicants must live or work on Salt Spring Island. Those interested can apply by visiting
For an online application: https://housingapplication.bchousing.org/olf/faces/welcome;jsessionid=Dn0O5wG92dV9Ak-Ot42wFC5iLsD4qfgM64mr63WntEvY5qFW0WI2!370742900
Information on how to file a paper application can be found here: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-housing/subsidized-housing
