More people are experiencing homelessness in Vernon than ever before. 

That is according to the final Interim Housing Needs Report (IHNR) submitted to Vernon Council at its Monday, Dec. 9 meeting. 

The report is an effort to "deepen understandings of current housing needs and challenges, support updates to the Official Community Plan, and meet new provincial legislative requirements for assessing housing needs."

Among the standout statistics was a 66 per cent increase in people experiencing homelessness from 2017 to 2023. Additionally, 22 per cent of households could not afford their housing and over one-third of renters (38 per cent) were spending more than 30 per cent of their income on housing. This comes as rent prices have risen by 30 per cent more than inflation in nine years.

"Purchase prices have approximately doubled in the last 10 years, with townhomes increasing most and condos the least," the report states.

Estimates see Vernon needing 5,933 more homes by 2031 and 11,484 by 2041. The majority of homes in Vernon (74 per cent) were built before 2000, with almost half being older than 40-years-old.

"While this may not necessarily mean the current quality is poor, older dwellings may not match the needs of current residents as well as in the past," said the report. "Newer homes may be designed to accommodate current needs or preferences."

Key housing themes laid out by the report include a need to increase the housing supply, a need to maintain a higher rental vacancy rate, and a desire for more affordable ownership options for families and individuals. 

"A key focus should be on reducing stress and fear related to housing and providing hope and stability by ensuring the right housing options are available when they are needed," the report recommends.

The IHNR was created concurrently with the Housing Needs Review and the update of Vernon's Official Community Plan and the Transportation Master Plan. Amendments to the Local Government Act changed the timing and requirements for these reports, with the IHNR due by Jan. 1, 2025.

The first regular Housing Needs Report is due by Dec. 31, 2028, and every five years after that. 

You can view the new report