Oceanside Non-Market Housing Table
Our Purpose
Work collaboratively to develop recommendations for strategies and actions designed to achieve greater housing supply, affordability and diversity and accommodate a broad range of affordable and non-market housing needs now and into the future for the municipalities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach and Areas E, F, G and H of the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Our Background
In June of 2023, an Oceanside community forum was convened by the Society of Organized Services (SOS), the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness (OTFH) and the Naut’sa mawt Oceanside Wellness Network (formerly OHWN) to discuss the housing crisis impacting the Oceanside area. Twenty-three members of the Oceanside community shared their concerns and advocated for an Oceanside Regional Non-Market Housing Action Table to provide recommendations to address the concerns.
In June of 2024,we convened a second Oceanside community forum focusing on bringing data to community affordable housing advocates with the goal of creating a table of partners who would focus on five key areas to improve housing in the region through advocacy and partnership.
Susanna Newton
Brandon Riopka,
Mary Beil
Renata Sutherland
Diana Groffen
Scott Harrison
Duncan Scott
Jean Young
Oceanside Non-Market Housing Table Members 2025/2026
Facilitator - Jane Vinet
OUR FIVE FOCUS AREAS ARE
This forum focuses on five key priorities that directly affect you,
your community, and the future of Oceanside
Increase Affordable & Non-Market Housing
1
2
Support Housing
Diversity and Supply
3
Promote & Protect
Rental Housing
4
Reduce Barriers
to Housing
5
Strengthen Partnerships
& Build Awarness
Affordable housing is about far more than buildings, it is the foundation that allows our neighbors to stay rooted in Oceanside, close to work, school, healthcare and community.
When workers, families, and seniors can afford to live near the places they rely on, our local businesses thrive, our schools stay vibrant, and our entire region grows stronger.
WHY HOUSING MATTERS IN OCEANSIDE
Local Businesses & Tourism
When workers can afford to live near their jobs, our local encomony and visitor sector remain resilient and strong
Families & Schools
Stable housing keeps young families in the region, directly supporting school enrollment and community stability
Seniors
Accessible, non-market and supportive housing allows seniors to age in place and prevents homelessness for precariously housed residents
Community Health
Expanding affordable housing options creates a ripple effect improving public health
