The Capital Regional District (CRD) Rural Housing Program is a Pilot Project for the Southern Gulf Islands (SGI) and Salt Spring Island (SSI) Electoral Areas (EAs). The program offers support for community solutions within the rural context of the islands and allows the CRD to test approaches for addressing the housing crisis in its smaller communities.
The Pilot Project has two grant streams for 2025-2026.
Rural Housing Pre-Development Funding (RHPDF)
The Rural Housing Pre-Development Funding (RHPDF) program provides funding for pre-development costs for purpose-built, affordable housing projects. As part of the RHPDF, CRD has developed a financial feasibility tool and guide to evaluate project funding proposals and to improve eligibility for senior government capital funding. The financial feasibility tool helps demonstrate project viability but also serves as an educational resource and “readiness tool” for non-profits and other advocates exploring affordable housing projects.
The CRD is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from housing nonprofits in April and June, to gauge interest and ensure funding is distributed equitably across eligible projects. Project proponents who have submitted an EOI will be contacted and may be invited to submit full applications. Applications will require groups to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of project viability. Please send your Expression of Interest to ruralhousing@crd.bc.ca by June 02, 2025.
- Pre-Development Funding Application Guide
- Pre-Development Financial Feasibility and Readiness Tool
- Pre-Development Funding Expression of Interest Form
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Incentive Program
Provides eligible homeowners with 50% of the cost to build an ADU, up to a maximum of $40,000 - in exchange for commitments to non-market rents for five years. An ADU includes a secondary suite or cottage as defined in each island’s land use bylaw and as permitted by Islands Trust zoning.
The CRD is developing an application form and will soon be accepting applications to the ADU incentive stream. As a pilot project, there are limits on the number of incentives available. Applicants will not receive funding approval until June 2025, and only once the owner secures a building permit. The funding is released at the time of occupancy permit.
- ADU Incentive Program Application Guide
- ADU Application Form (Coming soon! In the meantime, please contact ruralhousing@crd.bc.ca)
A key component of the RHP pilot project is the establishment of a dedicated program coordinator within the CRD to support rural housing for the duration of the two-year pilot program. Once hired, the RHP coordinator will offer inter-agency coordination and support to non-profit housing providers and proponents.
For questions or to inquire about applying to CRD Rural Housing Pilot Program please email: ruralhousing@crd.bc.ca
