Galiano Affordable Living Initiative

09/08/2026

What does sustainable affordable housing look like in a protected ecosystem? GALI was delighted to connect with Dr. Meg Holden and a cohort of SFU Planning students during their recent retreat on Galiano Island.

Together, we discussed how housing acts as vital infrastructure and ways to align deeply needed community housing with local environmental planning frameworks. For the students, it was a real-world look at rural planning challenges. For us, it was an inspiring exchange of ideas to help keep Galiano a diverse, resilient, and multi-generational place to call home.

09/07/2026

As we move into Labour Day, it’s time to talk about the workers who keep Galiano Island moving. 2026 Renters Survey data reveals a harsh reality: the people who power our community are facing an affordability crisis.

❌ FRONTLINE STAFFING ON SHAKY GROUND: Over 70% of hospitality + food services + retail workers are in core housing need, paying 31% to well over 50% of their total income just to keep a roof over their heads.

❌ KEY INFRASTRUCTURE THREATS: Over 65% of Galiano’s healthcare workers and tradespeople pay 31% to 49% of their income on rent. There is no near-market housing to retain these workers.

❌ NON PROFIT TIPPING POINT: 75% of workers from Galiano nonprofits are in core housing need. When workers cannot find housing, the essential care and services that keep our land and community healthy are at risk.

A full breakdown of how the housing crunch impacts Galiano will help GALI make the strongest case for local workforce housing solutions.

We are launching a brand-new Housing Impacts on Local Employers Survey to fill in the rest of the picture. If you operate a business, non-profit or manage staff on Galiano, please take 5 minutes to help us protect our workforce. 👇

09/05/2026

Galiano Renters Survey: Same island, different realities

Renters survey data reveals that many islanders—including women, seniors, Indigenous neighbours, and people with disabilities—are facing a tipping point of extreme financial distress, substandard living conditions, and constant housing insecurity.

A Note on the Survey Data: The following statistics are drawn directly from GALI's recently compiled Galiano Island Renters survey. These findings reflect the real, lived experiences of 71 renter households with combined Galiano rental experience of over 1000 years.

09/02/2026

Galiano Island Renters Survey Update

The results are in, and they paint a stark picture of Galiano Island's rental market. See some key findings below from our 2026 Renters Profile survey and learn why immediate action is needed to support our community's essential workforce and seniors.

Stay tuned for the release of our Employers Survey on Labour Day.

08/25/2026

PROJECT UPDATES

The Georgia View housing project is moving into its next phase. Last fall, the property was officially transferred to GALI from the Galiano Club. Because GALI is a registered charity, we don't have to pay land transfer or property taxes. This is great news because it saves a lot of money that can go directly into building these homes.

Recent CRA changes now allow charities to build and operate mixed-income models to help make affordable units possible. Since GALI is a charity, holds title to the property as well as a permit from MOTT to build the access road and contracts with consultants for development planning, GALI can now assume sole and full responsibility for moving the Georgia View project forward. GALI is grateful to GIGARHS for their hard work in rezoning and pre-development at Georgia View.

What's next? The plan is the same: building 12 affordable and secure rental homes at Georgia View for Galiano families who need them most. Right now, our main focus for this project is on engineering designs, building the access road, and getting ready for building permits.

At the same time, we're continuing to work with the CRD and the Capital Region Housing Corporation on advancing the Thuthiqut Hulelum' homes on Georgeson Bay Road.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to bring more affordable housing to Galiano Island!

❓ If you have questions, or wish to volunteer to help GALI build affordable rental housing on Galiano, please reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

07/06/2026

Thank you to our many members who attended our June 2026 AGM. The Board of Directors thanked the terrific Tito-Martin Nemtin whose term has ended, and welcomed new Directors Bonnie Macgillvray and Peter Hrdlitschka.

The volunteers who steward charitable boards are the unsung champion of affordable housing.

Each of these leaders brings a wealth of expertise in affordable housing and community, and a deep commitment to our mission. Their strategic vision and fresh perspectives will be invaluable. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new board members and continuing directors.

05/19/2026

TODAY is your last chance to complete the Housing Survey.

https://forms.gle/9JgVSKHEUESuXQtq9

WE want to hear from YOU.

The first 10 survey respondents to email [email protected] with a screenshot of their final survey page will receive a $20 gift certificate to a Galiano business. Physical cards only and offer for on-islanders. TODAY is the last day for the survey - don't delay!

Why is the Galiano Affordable Living Initiative ( GALI ) surveying renters? Non-profit housing developers and operators should consult people looking for affordable rental housing to ensure that housing truly meets community needs. Other housing surveys have focused on the Southern Gulf Island regio...

05/13/2026

The Galiano Island Renters Survey is open until May 19.

Galiano renters: please take 7-10 minutes and tell us about your housing needs at the online survey:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedWoRsPACOHP9fL4cYzNFkDcJWJVQPatddXOWeK6FOqWkKPA/viewform?usp=header

You can also drop by the Raise the Roof table at the May 16 Saturday market. They have generously offered us a space to distribute and collect paper surveys.

Want to win a $20 gift card to a local business? Send a screenshot of your completed online survey final page to [email protected] and ONE survey respondent will be chosen each day for the next five days....you can choose your card from the Bookstore, Flying Black Dog, Cornerstone or Oxeye.

Thanks housing seekers....data helps us make the best case to funders and allows us to build the right housing mix on Galiano.

05/05/2026

GALI is grateful to the CRD and Director Paul Brent for their support via a CRD Grant in Aid.

Grants-in-Aid are one-time grants to fund special projects and activities, awarded to community non-profit organizations who deliver projects benefiting electoral areas (Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island and Southern Gulf Islands) that are not already funded by requisition.

05/01/2026

Thank you to MP Elizabeth May for challenging the loss of the Community Housing Fund, and the impact on rural projects like Galiano Island's own Thuthiqut Hulelum’ 20-unit project.

https://youtu.be/V7ZHZTOdVO8?si=x9oY4OZgO4xUpPmB