What the Cortes Housing Survey says: problems and possible solutions

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - Two hundred and sixty-five people (265) filled out responses to the Cortes Island Housing survey which was carried out by the Cortes Community Housing Society and Regional Director Mark Vonesch. While this is only about 30% of the adult population, their answers provide a clear picture of the current housing situation, as well as specific areas where the majority of the population appear to support change.


“Other housing surveys they've done in the past have just broken over 100, so people are really engaged around this issue,” explained Vonesch. “40% of the people who responded to the survey have been here for over 20 years, which is significant.  The people that have been here for a long time and seen a lot of changes over the years and seen the way that Cortes is going and where it's at now and where it has been.” 


According to the press release accompanying the Housing survey, 175 of the respondents were property owners. 56% of them own their property outright, but half of those with mortgages have higher payments than they can reasonably afford. 82 of the respondents were renters, 42% of whom are paying more than 33% of their income on housing. This is more than what CMHC states is affordable and they're regarded as ‘at risk.’ The remaining 8 respondents were ‘unhoused.’


Mark Vonesch: “Probably two thirds of the people that filled out the survey also wrote a paragraph or five in the comment section saying ‘here's my answer, but here's the specifics of why I said that.’  We thought about releasing all these comments right now, but I think it's really important  to protect people's privacy and we want to do it in a sort of thoughtful way that captures the essence of what most people are saying, but doesn't make people feel vulnerable as they're sharing the vulnerable things.” 


Cortes Currents: What were the key points that the majority of the population already appears to agree we should act on?


Mark Vonesch: “67% of the people said that they would support an empty homes tax on Cortes. Only 18% said ‘no.’ What would that tax look like? Is it even possible? How is it done? Can we do it in a Regional District way? Do we have to lobby the government? There's lots of details to work out, but this is showing that a large proportion of people think the idea is a good thing.”


“We asked, ’Do you support Cortes opting into BC government legislation so people can only operate short term rentals on land that includes their primary residence?’ This would mean that if you live in Victoria and you buy a property on Cortes, you can't just Airbnb it out. Either rent it out long term, or not at all. 21% of people said ‘no’ to that, almost 16% were ‘unsure’ and 63% said ‘yes.’” 


“‘Do you support Cortes opting into BC government legislation allowing greater density on lots currently zoned for single family homes?’ 261 people answered this question; 72% of them said yes.”