Introducing the Creston Valley Housing Corporation Board of Directors
Creston, BC — Affordable housing is a challenge faced by communities across British Columbia—and Creston is no exception. While housing does not fall under the legislative responsibilities of local governments, the Town of Creston has heard the community’s concerns, and is taking tailor made steps to support affordable housing solutions.
In recent years, the Town has laid the foundation for action. In 2022, the Affordable Housing Development and Advisory Committee (AHDC) was created. This committee plays an important role by reviewing housing-related policies and plans before they go to Council and offers advice based on their diverse experience. The AHDC also works with local organizations, developers, and partners to find new ways to bring more affordable housing to the community. This resulted in the creation of the Housing Action Plan in 2023.
Most recently, after considerable public engagement and approval from the Inspector of Municipalities, the Town established the Creston Valley Housing Corporation (CVHC). The CVHC is a wholly owned municipal corporation with a mandate to facilitate a supply of suitable, attainable, and sustainable rental and ownership units in the Town of Creston that are accessible to a larger portion of the population, in a financially prudent manner that supports economic development and workforce development.
“Access to housing is essential for a thriving community. While local government isn’t directly responsible for housing, we’ve stepped up because we know how deeply this issue is affecting our residents. The Creston Valley Housing Corporation is a major step forward in creating real, local solutions that support families, workers, and our community as a whole,” says Mayor Arnold DeBoon.
The primary goal of the Creston Valley Housing Corporation is to provide direct delivery of housing units. The Creston Valley Housing Corporation will maintain ownership of attainable rental units and facilitate price-restricted home ownership sales. The Creston Valley Housing Corporation will collaborate to have some rental housing units operated by third-party non-profit housing providers.
The CVHC is governed by a Council appointed Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of seven independent Directors with professional backgrounds in law, finance, real estate, and property management, as well as three members of Council and one Town staff member. We are pleased to introduce Board members Karen Peck, Lawrence Fisher, Dina Bambrick, Penny Cavanagh, Anne Jackson, Daniel Cunningham, John Atkins, Denise Dumas, Arnold DeBoon, Monique Arès, and Steffan Klassen. Each of these individuals bring extensive professional and leadership experience to their role.
So far, the Board has focused on its initial orientation, including legal and governance training, and has approved a 2025 budget to begin its first projects.
“I am honoured to chair this highly competent, diverse group of people who ask thought-provoking questions and who are a pleasure to work with,” comments Councillor Denis Dumas, board chair. “We are hitting the ground running with our first project in sight. There are lots of decisions to be made and the CVHC board is up for the challenge. Even though housing is not under local government jurisdiction, Town Council recognizes the need for attainable housing and has gone over and above to be part of the solution by forming this corporation,” comments Dumas.
The Town of Creston is committed to supporting housing options that meet the needs of all residents. The work of the Creston Valley Housing Corporation is a key part of this effort.