Housing Transitions in Single-Industry 'Instant Towns'

Housing

2000

The local housing market in single-industry, resource dependent communities is influenced by the health of the local resource industry. Restructuring pressures within the resource sector directly affect local housing markets. This research examined two single-industry 'instant towns' in Canada (Mackenzie and Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia) and tracked transitions in the local housing market as the economic fortunes of the local industry and community changed over time. An understanding of these isolated markets is needed to inform government policy, resource companies, local decision-makers, and households/investors in these housing markets. The project:

  1. Developed an historical portrait of single-industry instant town housing markets.
  2. Identified and tracked past corporate strategies around the local housing stock.
  3. Identified the nature and scale of economic benefits or costs which may accrue to households in the housing market.
  4. Identified the nature and scale of economic benefits and costs which may accrue to institutions such as resource companies or Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The project was funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Standard External Research Grant program.