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What would a portable home look like? Here's one design.

Portable housing is one option under consideration for B.C. communities suffering a lack of low-cost and affordable housing, said Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund.

Mund, who is attending the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention in Vancouver, met Monday with Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Also at the meeting were councillors Juliette Cunningham and Dalvir Nahal and Will Pearce, the city's chief executive officer.

“We're not the only community, we found out, with a shortage of low-cost housing,” said Mund. “She was very receptive and heard our concerns about the homeless population, which is a concern of a number of communities.”

Mund said Robinson said the government was looking at changes to the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program, although he did not explain further.

“There are some options out there which we discussed. You don't get a 'yes' or 'no' at these meetings but it is important to communicate with the minister.”

Robinson told the Vernon delegation that she would be meeting with federal officials to discuss B.C's. housing crisis.

“There is a housing issue in many parts of Canada but we feel it is more prominent in B.C.,” Mund said, attributing that to the economic boom in the province over the past few years as well as spiralling costs for renters and those hoping to get on the property ladder.

“Another option could be portable housing brought in to a community. This could be a short term or a long term option.”

Mund said the question of space, where would such housing go, was another issue.