Another indicator of conditions in the rental housing market is the
amount that a renter household's income is spent on housing. Government and
financial agencies note that households should not spend more than 30% of
gross income on shelter, including rent and utilities.

The Clayton study (1990) reports that of the 2,145 occupied renter
householde in Port Coquitlam, there are 960 households (45% of renter
households) that pay more than 30% of groas income on housing. There are 445
households (21% of renter households) that pay more than 50% of their income

on housing.

Although there are many households paying a high portion of their income
om rent, this does not necessarily translate into a housing problem. The
numbers dco not differentiate those who choose to spend a larger amount on
housing from those with relatively low incomes who must spend a larger
proportion for suitable accommodation.

Another indicator of social housing demand is to determine the numbers of
households in core need. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
establishes core need income thresholds based on average rents in various
communities. Households with incomes below the core need income threshold are
deemed to be “at risk" of having an affordability problem.

The B.C. Housing Management Commission (BCHMC) has identified the numbers

of family, non-family, and seniors households in Port Coquitlam that are
considered to be in need of more affordable or suitable housing. Those in
core need are the households whose incomes are below the core need income
threshold and whe pay more than 30% of their income on housing or are in
unsuitable (i.e. crowded) accommodation.

According to BCHMC, there are a total of 2,320 renters and homeowners
below the core need income thresholds. Of these, 1,230 households are
considered as "in core aeed" of affordable and adequate housing. Renter
households account for 730 of the 1,230 core-needy households.

According to Community Care Facility Licensing officials, the demand for
group homes is not expected to increase at a significantly higher rate than in
the past. As the population naturally increases, tke number of people
requiring group home accommodation is expected to increase proportionately.

Each year, approximately 4 group homes are licensed in the Coquitlam~Port
Coquitlam area. The types of homes required vary with the users who will
reside there. The deinstitutionalization of Riverview Hospital patients is
expected to generate some demand for group home placement. However, many of
the remaining residents are chronically ill and would likely move into other
long-term care facilities rather than be placed in group home independent
living conditions. |