Housing Needs Report (HNR)
The Courtenay Housing Needs Report (2024) [PDF/738KB] [PDF/738KB] outlines current housing conditions, future housing needs and key housing challenges:
- Growing population: Courtenay’s population grew 11 per cent between 2016 and 2021 and is expected to reach more than 42,000 residents by 2041.
- Housing demand: To meet this growth, Courtenay will need 8,350 new homes by 2041, with 2,472 needed by 2026.
- Rising costs: Home prices rose 61 per cent from 2019 to 2022, while incomes increased by only 36 per cent.
- Rental shortage: Vacancy rates have historically been very low, and apartment rents increased 48 per cent between 2020 and 2023.
- Affordability issues: 22 per cent of local households spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing. This is a greater challenge for renters, single parents, Indigenous households and seniors.
- Seniors and accessibility: Senior-led households are expected to increase by 62 per cent by 2041, requiring more accessible housing.
- Homelessness: At least 2 per cent of local households are at risk of homelessness because of extremely low incomes, increasing the demand for non-market housing, emergency housing and shelter services.
Housing Target Order
The Province of British Columbia issued a Housing Target Order to the City of Courtenay on August 18, 2025 under the Housing Supply Act.
The order requires Courtenay to add 1,334 new housing units between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2030.
The Housing Target Order and the Housing Needs Report serve different purposes and are required under different provincial legislation.
The Province uses its own methodology to calculate housing targets. For Courtenay, the Housing Target Order represents 75 per cent of the Province's calculated minimum five-year housing need.
Progress reports
The City reports regularly on progress toward its housing target. These reports outline the City's progress toward meeting its housing target and the actions taken during each reporting period.
The Interim Report is available below. Additional reports will be posted as they become available.
Interim report
September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026