For the first episode of the year, host Roberta sits down with Mayne Island Trustee Jeanine Dodds to talk rural housing realities, tiny homes, local solutions, and what gives hope for affordable housing in the Southern Gulf Islands.

Learn More: Visit the Housing NOW website to explore the Housing Registry Program or connect with a team member in your community.

Get Involved: Have a question or guest suggestion for a future episode? Click the link in the show notes to send us an email!

How do we create island communities where seniors can age in place, young people can afford to stay, and everyone feels they belong? In this episode, Roberta sits down with Michael Cowan, Managing Director of the SGI Neighbourhood House and Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre.

Michael shares his journey to the islands, the vital role Neighbourhood House plays as a hub of connection and support, and why housing is at the heart of building resilient, caring communities.

Learn about the unique affordable-housing challenges facing the Southern Gulf Islands, explore creative solutions like co-ops, tiny homes, and homesharing, and understand how inclusion, reconciliation, and regional collaboration can help ensure no one gets left behind.

Whether you’re a longtime islander or just curious about rural housing innovation, this conversation offers hope and practical ideas for a more sustainable future.

Learn More: Visit the Housing NOW website to explore the Housing Registry Program or connect with a team member in your community.

Get Involved: Have a question or guest suggestion for a future episode? Click the link in the show notes to send us an email!

In this episode, host Roberta sits down with Sarah Herring, BC SPCA’s Government Relations Officer, to explore the intersection of affordable housing and pet ownership on the Southern Gulf Islands. Sarah shares insights into the BC SPCA’s mission to protect and care for animals through sheltering, adoption, advocacy, and education. From the challenges pet owners face in finding rentals to innovative solutions like pet deposit programs and landlord education, this episode highlights the importance of creating pet-inclusive communities. Tune in to learn how we can build a more inclusive housing future where no one has to choose between their home and their beloved pets.

Learn More: Visit the Housing NOW website to explore the Housing Registry Program or connect with a team member in your community.

Get Involved: Have a question or guest suggestion for a future episode? Click the link in the show notes to send us an email!