The protection of 125 affordable rental homes in Port Hardy, B.C. by Connective Support Society secures continued affordable housing access for households, including Indigenous ones, with low and middle incomes.
Building Stability and Strength in Port Hardy
Nestled on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy is a breathtakingly beautiful, remote, and diverse town. Yet, like many smaller communities in British Columbia, Port Hardy faces an urgent housing crisis, where the loss of even a few rental homes can create a devastating ripple effect—impacting families, workers, and vulnerable populations.
That’s why Connective’s recent acquisition of 125 rental homes in Port Hardy, with support from the Rental Protection Fund, represents a transformative step toward stability, affordability, and equity. As part of a nine-property portfolio spanning Vancouver Island, this initiative not only protects some of the town’s limited purpose-built rental stock, but also ensures that the people who sustain this community— families, and essential workers—can continue to call it home.
The loss of existing affordable rental homes in smaller BC communities are even more destabilizing, with profound ripple effects,” said Katie Maslechko, CEO of the Rental Protection Fund. “This is housing for families, for workforce, for essential workers, and by protecting the homes where they already live affordably, these tenants won’t be pushed into housing precarity and will be able to continue contributing to these communities. But they face even greater challenges being protected and would have undoubtedly been lost forever without the incredible efforts of Connective and the support of the Rental Protection Fund.”
A Commitment to Indigenous Housing
With approximately 35% of Port Hardy’s population identifying as Indigenous, Connective recognized that protecting and improving these homes would require deep collaboration with local leaders, councils, and non-profit organizations.
Through these partnerships, Connective has already helped house vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness, more than half of whom are Indigenous. Many had previously faced systemic barriers to securing safe, affordable housing, but now have a place to call home.
Connective is continuing to strengthen its ties to the community through a new partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). Under this partnership, long-term stewardship of the properties protected through the Rental Protection Fund will be transferred to an Indigenous housing provider—advancing the Fund’s commitment to For Indigenous, By Indigenous affordable housing solutions.
“AHMA celebrates the protection of these much-needed affordable rentals in Port Hardy, and we look forward to leveraging our partnership with Connective to ensure these homes serve the local population equitably,” Margaret Pfoh, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) and Board Member of the Rental Protection Fund. “Over 35% of those living in Port Hardy are of First Nations decent and Connective’s commitment to working with AHMA in service to Indigenous people demonstrates reconciliACTION.”
Housing Essential Workers to Sustain the Community
Through conversations with local leaders and organizations, Connective also identified another critical housing gap: a severe shortage of affordable housing for essential workers. This lack of housing was threatening the stability of Port Hardy itself, as nurses, emergency responders, teachers, and other frontline workers struggled to find homes near their workplaces.
By keeping rents affordable for essential workers, Connective is ensuring that the people who keep Port Hardy running—the very backbone of the community—have a secure and affordable place to live. This not only benefits individual workers, but strengthens the town’s healthcare, education, and public services, ensuring that Port Hardy remains a resilient and thriving place to live.
Supporting Tenants Beyond Housing
Housing affordability in Port Hardy is further compounded by a median household income that is 20% lower than the national average. Recognizing this challenge, Connective also connects tenants to financial assistance and stability programs.
Through its collaboration with BC Services, Connective has already helped tenants access financial support to keep their housing affordable. By removing barriers to financial aid and rental assistance, the organization is empowering residents to maintain long-term stability.
One resident shared the profound impact this initiative has had on their life:
"If it wasn’t for Connective, I’d be on the streets. I was about to be evicted and had nowhere to go. By the time I called, it was only within a couple of days that I was placed in affordable housing. This program is going to change lives and help so many in need of a place."
Housing Stability Across B.C.
Through these acquisitions, Connective and the Fund are ensuring that affordable housing remains accessible for both current and future generations in Port Hardy. With strong partnerships, deep community engagement, and a commitment to long-term affordability, Connective is showing that even in remote towns, transformative housing solutions are possible.
The opportunity to intervene at a critical moment and protect the limited supply of affordable housing in small and remote communities highlights the powerful impact of the Fund’s acquisitions—and underscores why the Fund is committed to creating housing stability for British Columbians, no matter where they live.
In a time where housing precarity threatens communities across British Columbia, Port Hardy is proof that with the right investments, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to equity, small towns can lead big changes.
