The New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association (NBNPHA) has issued a petition to Premier Susan Holt’s government for further action on the province’s housing crisis.
The petition is pushing for the construction of 1,200 non-market housing units annually. These include non-profit, co-op, and public housing.
The NBNPHA has launched ‘Let’s Solve the Housing Crisis‘, a public awareness initiative focused on educating New Brunswickers about the housing crisis and engaging support for collaborative solutions.
Peter Corbyn, executive director of the NBNPHA, said the province needs to address providing affordable and appropriate housing for its residents.
“As of 2020, the lowest 20 per cent of households couldn’t afford rent above $880. That number is likely higher now,” Corbyn said.
He stressed the need for affordable housing, where no household pays more than 30 per cent of their income on rent.
“We need to help address providing affordable and appropriate housing for the lowest 20 per cent earners in the province,” he said.
Corbyn emphasized the need for a five-year funding commitment from the provincial government to support long-term planning and project execution.
“We must work together to increase affordable housing units using innovative solutions,” he said.
The proposed solutions include a provincial fund for non-profits and co-ops to acquire land, a New Brunswick-based housing bond to unlock dormant equity, and modular housing to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Corbyn added that the association also faces challenges, such as aging infrastructure and the need for new board members to replace retiring volunteers.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the sector, join volunteer boards, and advocate for affordable housing at all government levels.
‘Let’s Solve the Housing Crisis’ aims to have 20 per cent of all new housing units built in the next decade owned and operated by non-profit and co-op organizations to ensure affordable housing for all New Brunswick citizens.
To support these efforts, the NBNPHA invites New Brunswickers to sign the Housing Action open letter.
