Panel data provided by Madison's Canadian Lumber Reporter.

Policy Change Good News

By 250 News

A policy change by the Solicitor General will allow some community groups building housing projects to apply to receive licensed gaming proceeds.

Until now, community organizations were not eligible for gaming funds or allowed to hold their own licensed gaming activities to raise money for projects such as community housing for seniors, supportive housing for disabled individuals, transition housing for men and women and emergency housing for crisis situations. 

The new rules mean housing projects being undertaken by specific groups with a community benefit will now be eligible to receive gaming funds.

The request for a change in policy came after the Houston Retirement Housing Society was told it could not hold a charity raffle because it was determined the society didn't provide programs or services to the community.

The changes don't come without some strict rules, including:

* The planned housing complex would have to be operated by the non-profit society that is fundraising through licensed gaming events;
* The planned housing complex could not be turned over to the local heath authority, CMHA or local government after it is built;
* There would have to be a plan for programming to be delivered in the complex which is suitable to the residents;
* The organization would preferably own the land for the project or have property on a long-term lease from an eligible organization, local government or public land;
* There should be a design or plan for the housing complex to determine its gross costs prior to a license being issue;
* Any funds raised through licensed gaming events should be expended within 3 years.

Bulkley Valley-Stikeen MLA Dennis MacKAY is grateful for the policy revision "It will give community groups across the province another tool to raise funds necessary to provide quality housing to British Columbians."
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