Finding affordable housing for all residents was on the table as elected officials and social groups came together to brainstorm.
Mel Arnold, North Okanagan-Shuswap MP, held a roundtable Tuesday that looked at housing in its various forms — from shelters to apartments and the struggle many people face to put a roof over their head.
"It's not just a social housing issue or a shelter issue," he said, adding he's aware of people who have good paying jobs but can't put together a downpayment.
It was also discussed that housing is related to other factors such as a lack of employment and low income levels.
Based on the roundtable, Arnold will approach the federal government about possible actions it can take, including tax credits for developers who build rental housing.
Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, attended the roundtable and he admits there could be an expanded role for the provincial government, including allowing colleges and universities to build student housing.
"If we take the students out of the (private market) mix, these units become available for people to rent," he said.
B.C. Housing could also continue to invest in social housing such as Blair Apartments in downtown Vernon.
"We're always looking and there's always a need," said Foster.
Among those at the roundtable were social agencies, a realtor, a mortgage broker and representatives from the City of Vernon.
Mayor Akbal Mund says there's little municipalities can do to promote affordable housing, but zoning can be changed to allow for secondary suites.
"The city is trying to do its part," he said.
The goal is for the roundtable participants to get together again.
"It's important that we keep talking about it," said Mund.