Businesses, renters, and potential homeowners are feeling the housing crunch on rural Cortes Island. A comprehensive housing survey is being launched to help spawn action.

The local Women's Resource Centre is assisting with the survey's distribution, beginning April 11th, which will run until May 11th. Executive Director Tanya Henck, says data collected will be used to inform policies and initiatives aimed at addressing the housing shortage.

The survey is funded by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and while covering the entire Strathcona Regional District, Henck says specific information will be gathered tailored to the needs of individual communities such as Cortes Island.

Henck says the Cortes Island Women's Resource Centre's interest is aimed at determining how the local housing shortage is compromising the safety of women and children. She adds that the data collected by an independent, non-profit agency will hopefully provide a comprehensive picture of who, where, and why it's difficult for all members of the community to find affordable housing options.

Learn more in the CKTZ News report below :