The City of Quesnel recognizes that a range of housing choices is essential in supporting a healthy, livable community. The City remains committed to playing a leadership role in the affordable housing sector by forming partnerships to increase the supply of housing, creating housing policies and strategies, and advocating the provincial and federal governments.
City Council included Housing Initiatives in the 2019 Strategic Plan that included creating a secondary suite policy, developing a Minimum Rental Standards Bylaw, and completing a Housing Needs Assessment, Gap Analysis and Action Plan.
In Canada, housing is considered affordable if it costs less than 30% of a household’s income. Many people think affordable housing refers to only rentals or subsidized housing, but in reality, it is a broad term that includes all kinds of homes: rental, ownership, co-op, apartments, townhouses, single detached homes, etc. Housing that may be considered “affordable” for some residents may also be “unaffordable” for others – that is why we must have a variety of housing options.
Read more about affordable housing myths, facts, and suites.
Are you in need of affordable housing? The City of Quesnel publishes the Affordable Housing Guide, which provides a list of affordable housing options in Quesnel.
Private rentals (e.g. secondary suites, a home for rent by an individual in the community, etc.) are commonly listed on sites such as Kijiji and Facebook (view the “Quesnel Homes for Sale and Rent” and “Quesnel and area Rentals” Facebook Groups).
Whether you're looking for a heritage home in North Quesnel, a rural residential lot in South Hills, or a creekside apartment in Uplands, there's a neighbourhood that's right for you in Quesnel. Our local realtors have a vast array of knowledge to help you find your perfect home if you are looking to buy.
There is an identified discrepancy between the housing stock in the region and the type of housing that is in demand. Reports over the past several years have suggested that the housing stock is primarily large single-family homes and buildings that are in a state of significant disrepair. Reports also show there is a demand for smaller homes and properties across several demographics.
In March 2019, The City of Quesnel (City), in partnership with the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), hired Urbanics Consultants Ltd. to complete a comprehensive North Cariboo Housing Needs Assessment, Gap Analysis and Action Plan. This report is complete and was received by Council on November 26, 2019.
The Minimum Rental Standards Bylaw 1870 increases the standards of residential rental properties by providing the City with the ability to assist tenants who live in unsafe and unhealthy accommodation due to poor building maintenance.
The bylaw helps identify derelict rental properties to improve the quality and livability standards within the rental market in Quesnel.
For more information and to file a report, visit the City’s Rental Standards page.