Expression of Interest (EOI): Non-Profit Operational Partner for Affordable Housing in the Village of Burns Lake

1. Introduction

The Village of Burns Lake (the Village) and the Burns Lake Housing Enhancement Society (BLHES) are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified non-profit organizations to support the operations and management of an affordable housing development within the community. This initiative aims to provide safe, sustainable, and accessible housing options for residents in need, contributing to the overall well-being and economic stability of the Village.

2. Project Overview

The Village and BLHES are committed to increasing the availability of affordable housing to support individuals, families, seniors, and other vulnerable populations. The BLHES is currently working with a development consultant and is in the process of preparing an application to the BC Housing Community Housing Fund.

BLHES is seeking an operational partner. The details of this partnership are negotiable, and BLHES is open to exploring the following three scenarios:

1. Fee-for-Service Support: The partner housing provider offers the new BLHES Board regular operational training and support on an as-needed basis, with a negotiated fee-for-service arrangement.
2. Society Merger Partnership: The two societies merge boards and become equal partners in the operations of the facility. The partner housing provider also provides an advisory role during development.
3. Operational Transfer: BLHES leads development, with the partner housing provider offering advisory support during the process. Once the facility becomes operational, ownership and operations transfer entirely to the partner organization, which assumes full responsibility for administration, operations, and maintenance.

Key Project Details:

Location: Village Heights, a new subdivision in the Village of Burns Lake. The 2.1-acre parcel is currently being subdivided and zoned.

Number of Units: Phase 1 will include 40 units, with capacity for an additional 40 units in a future Phase 2.

Target Residents: Low-to-moderate-income households, workforce housing, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Funding & Support: An application to BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund is underway. Other funding options will be pursued if necessary.

3. Responsibilities of the Selected Non-Profit Operator

Specific responsibilities will depend on the chosen partnership model and may include:

• Ensuring effective property management, including rent collection, maintenance, and tenant relations
• Developing and implementing tenant selection criteria in alignment with affordable housing guidelines
• Maintaining financial sustainability through rent revenue and funding opportunities
• Providing supportive services or establishing partnerships to assist tenants with housing stability
• Complying with all relevant regulations and reporting requirements

4. Eligibility & Submission Requirements

Interested non-profit organizations are asked to include the following information in their submission:

1. Organization Profile: Background, mission, and relevant experience in housing management
2. Operational Plan: Preferred strategy for managing the property, including financial viability and tenant support services
3. Previous Experience: Examples of similar projects, including outcomes and references
4. Legal & Financial Standing: Proof of non-profit status, governance structure, and financial capacity

5. Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Organizational capacity and experience (30%)
• Feasibility and sustainability of the operational plan (30%)
• Financial and governance stability (20%)

6. Submission Deadline & Process

EOIs must be submitted by April 25, 2025, either via email to village@burnslake.ca or by delivering a hard copy to:

BLHES, c/o Village of Burns Lake
15 3rd Avenue, Box 570
Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0

7. Next Steps

Following the review of EOIs, selected applicants may be invited for further discussions or asked to submit a detailed proposal. The Burns Lake Housing Enhancement Society reserves the right to reject any or all submissions or to negotiate with preferred applicants.

For inquiries, please contact:

Dolores Funk
Phone: 250.692.9932
Email: doloresfunk@theLNC.ca

The Village of Burns Lake looks forward to partnering with a committed non-profit organization to deliver much-needed affordable housing solutions to the community.