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!

In this episode of the Housing NOW SHELTER SGI Podcast, host Roberta welcomes Lori Seay-Potter, a nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience and a passionate advocate for community-driven housing solutions. Based on Galiano Island, Lori shares her journey to the island, insights into Galiano’s unique housing needs, and her experiences living in a mainland housing cooperative. She explains what a housing cooperative is, diving into its advantages and challenges. Lori also discusses her work with the Rural Islands Economic Partnership (RIEP) and its role in advocating for housing solutions in island communities. Tune in to hear about her ongoing projects and her vision for a sustainable housing future on 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!

Join us this week for a talk with Ben Kadel from the SGI Community Justice Program and LifeBoat Academy. Ben discusses restorative justice, the Kitchen Table Conversations guidebook for homesharers, and the Circle Process for shared living. He also shares housing solutions for Pender Island and insights into the LifeBoat Academy’s work on community resilience.

Learn more and get involved! Visit our website or send us an email through the link in the show notes.

In this episode of Shelter SGI Podcast, Housing NOW Salt Spring Coordinator, Adam, sits down with Justine Starke, a seasoned Registered Professional Planner and the Southern Gulf Islands CRD Manager. With 20 years of expertise in strategic governance, Justine discusses the innovative CRD Rural Housing Program, a pilot initiative tackling affordable housing challenges in Salt Spring, Mayne, Galiano, Saturna, and Pender. From financial incentives for homeowners to the potential of tiny homes and co-ops, Justine shares insights on creating sustainable, inclusive housing solutions for rural island communities. Learn about the program’s goals, the impact of provincial policy changes, and how residents can support diverse housing options.

Learn more and get involved! Visit our website or send us an email through the link in the show notes.

In this episode of Shelter SGI Podcast, we talk with Deb Foote, a passionate Mayne Island resident and Chair of the Mayne Island Conservancy’s Programs Committee. Deb shares her journey to the Southern Gulf Islands, her work in environmental and community projects, and her creative solution to the local housing crisis—renting out her tiny home. Tune in as she discusses her volunteer efforts, the challenges she overcame, and her advice for others, plus insights on the housing challenges in the region. A heartfelt chat about community and impact!

Learn more and get involved! Visit our website or send us an email through the link in the show notes.

In today's episode, we sit down with Lisa Gauvreau, Trustee for the Galiano Island Local Trust Committee. A 20-year resident of Galiano, Lisa has run a thriving eatery for the past 11 years. Her involvement with housing organizations and the freshwater project brings depth to this engaging conversation. Tune in now to catch this must-hear discussion!
Learn more and get involved! Visit our website or send us an email through the link in the show notes.