The Kaslo Housing Society is a Canadian registered charity and is able to issue tax receipts for donations over $20.
Our Mandate
The Kaslo Housing Society supports social and economic health by developing and managing innovative housing solutions that meet local needs. We work in collaboration with other housing providers, service organizations, governments, and community partners to strengthen housing stability in Kaslo and Area D.
Our Mission
We make affordable housing accessible to residents of Kaslo and Area D, including retired persons, young families, individuals in transition, service workers, and people living on fixed incomes.
British Columbia continues to experience some of the lowest rental vacancy rates and highest rents in the country. While Kaslo is a rural community, it is affected by the same pressures seen in larger urban centres.
In 2017, the Kaslo Housing Society conducted a local rental market needs survey. The results showed that 79 percent of tenants reported difficulty affording their rent. Forty seven percent said their housing situation was insecure, either temporary or requiring an urgent move. Among those actively seeking housing, 60 percent had been searching for more than four months, and 30 percent for more than six months.
Availability of housing was identified as the most pressing concern, followed closely by affordability and suitability. On average, renters in Kaslo pay well over 30 percent of their monthly income on housing.
Our History
The Kaslo Housing Society was incorporated in 1998 with a vision to provide affordable, supportive housing for seniors. Over time, the Society expanded its mandate to include affordable residential housing for low income families, adult individuals, adults with disabilities, and seniors.
Recent surveys and assessments clearly demonstrate a shortage of appropriate and accessible affordable housing in Kaslo. Aging housing stock and the community’s unique economic structure continue to increase pressure on the local rental market.
In recent years, the Society has participated in regional affordable housing programs that provide guidance, training, and resources to community based housing initiatives.
Board of Directors
The Kaslo Housing Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Board members bring lived experience, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to ensuring that local residents have access to secure, safe, and affordable housing.
At each Annual General Meeting, members of the community are invited to join the Board. There is no required background or level of experience. What matters most is a willingness to contribute, collaborate, and support housing solutions for Kaslo.
Kathie Shaw Hanson, Chair
Kathie is a retired Engineering Design and Drafting Technologist who moved to Kaslo with her husband after many years of working and raising a family in Alberta. Her connection to the Kootenays began early through extended family and frequent visits, with Kaslo becoming a long time favourite place.
Raising four sons through the ups and downs of Alberta’s boom and bust economy gave Kathie firsthand experience with housing insecurity and financial pressure. These experiences shaped her strong belief that safe and affordable housing is a basic necessity.
Kathie became involved with the Kaslo Housing Society through local volunteering and remains committed to supporting housing solutions that strengthen the community.
Erika Bird, Director
Erika grew up on Montreal Island in a large family where listening, resourcefulness, and community engagement were core values. Growing up as an anglophone in Quebec helped shape a lifelong commitment to community involvement.
She moved to Kaslo in 1992, raised three children in the community, and continues to work locally in publishing and communications. Erika has served on several local boards, including the Kaslo and District Community Forest, and has been involved with the Kaslo Housing Society for many years.
Charissa Hoppenbrouwers, Treasurer
Bio coming.
Jean Marc La Flamme, Secretary
Jean Marc works at the intersection of housing, technology, and regenerative community development. He has lived and worked in the Kootenays for over a decade and is actively involved in building micro home communities and supporting local innovation.
His work focuses on practical housing solutions that are affordable, healthy, and connected to nature. Alongside his role with the Kaslo Housing Society, he works internationally on housing innovation and automated homebuilding, supporting communities exploring new models of living that strengthen local economies and long term resilience.
Connect with Jean-Marc on LinkedIn
Tara Lynne Clapp, PhD, RPP, MCIP, Director
Tara Lynne first moved to the Kaslo area in 1990 and has maintained a strong connection to the community ever since. She served multiple terms on the Kaslo Housing Society Board between 2011 and 2017 and played a key role in strengthening board governance and advancing housing development efforts.
She continues to support housing initiatives through planning and project development work and is pleased to serve the Society again as a Board member.
Julie Kucera, Director
Bio coming.
Jenny Parkinson, Director
Bio coming.
Current Staff
Michael Allaire
Penny Lane Building Manager