Background

The Town of Gander is situated in proximity to Newfoundland and Labrador’s northeast coast and has grown to over 11,800 in population in recent years. Prominent industries situated in the Town include transportation, communications, education, public administration, defense, and an impending mining industry. The Town also plays an important regional role, acting as a service hub for the more than 80,000 people situated in 130 communities that lie within a 100km radius of the Town. In recent years there has been a surge in demand for housing, even as recovery continues from the negative impacts of the recent COVID pandemic. Regional economic opportunities have also emerged which could accelerate this recovery.

Current projections suggest that more than 700 new homes could be added over the next 10 year. Council is exploring ways to address this demand within the shifting housing landscape. Specifically, the Town is undertaking a Housing Needs Assessment Update to support these efforts. The original Assessment was conducted in 2015 and since that time, there have been considerable changes in demographic and employment trends. Like other communities across the country, Gander has also experienced considerable shifts in the housing market and in particular, housing affordability.

Re/fact Consulting has been retained by the Town to assist in completing the Update. Using data analysis, growth trends and research, the Update will identify key local housing issues. Insights gathered from stakeholders and the broader public as part of the consultation process will help to augment these findings. An examination of options and opportunities for addressing these challenges in an impactful way will also be undertaken as part of the process.

Some specific areas that the Update will explore include:

• Current and project growth trends as well as the housing requirement this will generate
• The range and type of housing options that are available in the community
• The affordability of housing in relation to local residents needs
• Barriers and impediments to meeting housing needs
• Policies, practices and tools to help overcome identified housing barriers

This work is intended to provide an updated baseline for local housing needs and issues as well as projected housing requirements over the next 10 years. Ultimately, the Update will be used as a foundation to support the efforts of the Town as it develops a comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address housing issues and guide future municipal decisions.