Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential for attracting and retaining healthcare workers in our community. On Salt Spring Island, where housing costs have risen sharply in recent years, this need has become even more urgent. Through our work with Care On Salt Spring, we’ve gained important insights into the realities healthcare workers are facing — and the numbers tell a powerful story.
The average rental budget of Care On Salt Spring tenants is $1,290 per month. This figure reflects what healthcare workers — from housekeepers to care aides and support staff — can realistically afford based on their earnings and expenses. However, finding secure, long-term rental housing on Salt Spring at or below this price point remains a significant challenge.
The current rental market often demands much higher monthly costs, making it difficult for healthcare workers to find housing that fits their budget. In many cases, workers are forced to make tough choices: commuting long distances, accepting shared accommodations, or, in some cases, turning down local employment opportunities altogether. This, in turn, impacts the availability of healthcare services for everyone who calls Salt Spring home.
Why Affordable Housing Matters
Affordable housing for healthcare workers isn’t just about individual comfort — it’s about building a resilient, thriving community. When healthcare workers can live close to their workplaces, it leads to:
- Better staff retention: Workers who feel secure in their living situations are more likely to stay long-term.
- Improved patient care: Reducing commute times and housing stress allows healthcare providers to be more present and focused.
A stronger local economy: Healthcare workers are active members of the community, supporting local businesses, schools, and services.
Progress Is Being Made — But More Is Needed
The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation’s upcoming 18-unit affordable housing project is an exciting and much-needed step forward. This project will make a huge difference by providing stable, affordable rental options specifically for hospital staff. It’s a powerful example of how the community can come together to support its healthcare workers.
However, even with this important project underway, the need for additional affordable rental options will continue. Housing will still be needed for staff at Greenwoods Eldercare, Lady Minto Hospital, community healthcare organizations, and other essential healthcare services across Salt Spring. To fully meet the needs of our growing and aging population, we must keep expanding the range of affordable housing solutions available.
A Range of Housing Options is Needed
While $1,290 is the average budget, the needs of healthcare workers vary widely. Some individuals are looking for modest studio apartments; others need two- or three-bedroom homes to accommodate their families. To meet this diversity of needs, we must work together — as landlords, policymakers, developers, and community members — to create housing options across a range of price points.
At Care On Salt Spring, we are committed to advocating for and supporting initiatives that create affordable, accessible housing solutions for healthcare workers. We believe that by working collaboratively, we can ensure that Salt Spring Island remains a welcoming and sustainable home for the essential workers who care for all of us.
Want to help?
If you are a property owner, landlord, or someone with space available, consider offering housing to a healthcare worker. Every rental opportunity, big or small, makes a difference.
Together, we can build a stronger, healthier Salt Spring.
