Here's how Kelowna is battling the housing crisis

Kelowna's housing crisis is a complex jigsaw puzzle.

But Mayor Tom Dyas and his council colleagues are not shying away from the challenge.

As the city grapples with an influx of people wanting to call it home, Dyas is steadfast in his commitment to getting more homes built.

"We have approved about 1,800 units within the community," over the past year, Dyas said, emphasizing the city's efforts to keep pace with the growing demand.

When it comes to defining 'affordability', the mayor takes a pragmatic approach.

He acknowledges the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) suggestion that 30 to 33 percent of a monthly income should be spent on rent, but questions if that is truly attainable for many residents.

Kelowna's solution? Innovative incentive programs like density bonusing to encourage developers to include affordable housing units in their projects.

Partnering with higher levels of government and local developers to use city-owned land to build homes is another avenue the city is pursuing.

Taming short-term rentals also remains a contentious issue.

With approximately 1,100 legal and 1,200 illegal short-term rental units in the city, the mayor acknowledged these rentals consume a significant amount of property that could be used for long-term housing.

"And we need long term rentals right now," he said.

Striking a balance between tourism and residential needs is a tough act, but the mayor said it can be done.

While understanding the need for tourist beds, many hospitality businesses can't be open seven days a week because they can't find staff, and those staff can't find an affordable place to live.

"There is a balance in there and we need to find that balance," he said, also referencing the disruption caused by Airbnb in some residential neighborhoods and downtown towers.

Despite the challenges, Dyas remains confident about the future.

"With the housing initiatives we are doing – infill housing, for example ... we feel positive that if we continue to keep our foot on the gas, we will make small little changes that will be beneficial for the community."