OVERVIEW
In 2016, Council adopted Policy PLA-017 (Near Market Affordable Housing (NMAH) Program Guidelines), as a way to implement the affordable housing program contemplated by the former Southeast Meadowlark Area Plan (NOTE: The Southeast Meadowlark Area Plan was repealed in 2024 as part of a suite of amendments made to current OCP Bylaw No. 1375, 2021 in response to Provincial legislative changes relating to the provision of Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)).
The NMAH Program seeks to “deliver lower cost affordable homes at a discount below comparable market housing to qualified applicants” by requiring developers assist by subsidizing and constructing affordable homes within the SMA Plan Area as a condition of a rezoning approval.
The roll-out of the NMAH Program has been undertaken in phases as lands have incrementally been excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), rezoned, and then subsequently subdivided and developed by developers.
Since the original adoption of “Near Market Affordable Housing (NMAH) Program Guidelines” policy and the implementation of the NMAH Program approximately 10 years ago, 10 homes have been sold under the Program.
In reviewing the NMAH Program, it is unclear whether it has been effective in its goal to provide affordable housing within the Town and whether there is adequate capacity to administer the Program given the burdensome processes that are required for its facilitation.
PROPOSAL
Given the challenges and constraints, it is being proposed to end the NMAH Program.
Ending the NMAH Program would require additional bylaw and policy changes, including:
- Repealing Policy PLA-017 (Near Market Affordable Housing (NMAH) Program Guidelines);
- Deleting Section 7.A.2.1(c), being a policy which supports the exclusion of lands within the Southeast Meadowlark Area from the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and which references the conditions associated with the previously approved ALR exclusion and the former SMA Plan, from the Town’s Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1375, 2021; and,
- Repealing Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 1343, 2018, which provides Council the authority to enter into housing agreements for specified lands within the Southeast Meadowlark Area under the NMAH Program (NOTE: housing agreements registered as part of the NMAH Program are also proposed to be discharged from their associated titles).
PROJECT STATUS
| Documents | Public Engagement | Council Consideration |
Draft Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 1375.12, 2026 (version – 2026-08-18) | Public Hearing | Regular Open Council Meeting Administrative Report |
CONTACT US!
Contact Planning and Development Services: plan@osoyoos.ca