Is municipal planning responsive to urban Indigenous housing needs? An examination of housing plans and policies in British Columbia

Abstract

This article presents findings from a study conducted in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and explores how municipalities in British Columbia, Canada are responding to Indigenous
housing needs through Official Community Plans (OCP) and housing strategies. Using a content analysis of OCPs and housing strategies, survey responses and semi-structured interviews with municipal planners in British Columbia, this research aims to better understand the barriers municipalities perceive they face in addressing urban Indigenous housing needs. This discussion offers key considerations for municipal planners for identifying and responding to urban Indigenous housing needs in municipal level housing policies. To better address urban Indigenous housing needs, municipal housing planners must first identify Indigenous housing needs as distinct needs in urban settings. Further, municipal policies and programs aiming to respond to Indigenous housing needs must be developed through Indigenous-led and Indigenous-informed processes in order to uphold Indigenous rights. By addressing urban Indigenous housing needs, municipalities can demonstrate their commitment to action on reconciliation efforts in Canada.