By Tricia Gueulette
Late in 2024 Beacon Community Services was fortunate to receive a SPARK grant from the Victoria Foundation to work on an intergenerational housing study to see what is possible in solving some of the housing challenges the Capital Regional District is currently facing. The purpose was to examine different approaches to intergenerational housing and how an affordable housing strategy for Beacon Community Services’ thirteen properties could work to encourage younger people especially to stay in the Greater Victoria area and maximize the positive impact within the overall community.
Young people, especially those in their 20’s and 30’s, living in Greater Victoria have specific needs and challenges when it comes to housing. Given soaring inflation and rising costs, there is a lot of uncertainty for this age group, especially when it comes to home ownership. In Victoria, the homeownership rate for young people has been declining. In 2011, the homeownership rate for people aged 15-25 was 18.2%, but by 2016 it had dropped to 12.6%. Young people are leaving Victoria for a number of reasons including the lack and cost of housing, but also due to limited job opportunities. In fact, 50% of those aged 18 to 34 say they are considering departing British Columbia altogether due to housing affordability.
Intergenerational housing is a living arrangement where people from different generations live together, either in the same household or in close proximity within a community. It can take various forms as outlined in the study. While initially intended to inform Beacon’s real estate development strategy, the study revealed a much broader potential for intergenerational housing. Beyond addressing housing needs, this model offers significant community-building benefits. This model fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, combats social isolation and loneliness, promotes well-being and health, encourages mutual learning, strengthens community bonds, and creates a more vibrant and inclusive environment for residents of all ages. Intergenerational housing represents a promising approach to building stronger, more connected communities.
More and more people are feeling isolated, even while living in larger urban areas. Almost 30% of young people aged 18-24 report frequent feelings of isolation. Nearly one in four seniors report having barriers to social participation and are lonely. Intergenerational housing could help. Envision a vibrant, intergenerational community where children laugh in a shared courtyard, while seniors share stories with students on nearby benches. After a long day, professionals unwind with a yoga class in the common room, while students find focus and quiet in dedicated study spaces. In the evenings, the group comes together for a shared meal, full of laughter and camaraderie. This feeling of connectedness is something we have started to lose in many parts of our community. Could a planned intergenerational community help?
The provision of affordable housing is a priority for Beacon Community Services and our organization is dedicated to facilitating healthy living in affordable homes for individuals, youth, families, seniors and individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to review the results of this study and stay tuned while Beacon starts to enact our real estate strategy.