Liveaboard Households: A Hidden Gem in BC’s Housing Crisis?

British Columbia’s housing crisis is no secret. With sky-high rents and urban sprawl pushing residents further from city centers, it’s clear that bold and creative solutions are needed. Earlier this month I wrote about some of the creative strategies people are considering as housing alternatives in Canada, and this is my follow up about how innovation such as households on boats can be part of the solution to the housing crisis.

Photo: Daryl Bohling: “Originally I came to BC pursuing my love for filming downhill longboarding, but nearly became homeless while trying to find a place to live and work. Then a friend took me sailing, and I immediately started looking for a boat to travel and live in. Only after I sailed into False Creek did I realize the maritime life, wasn’t as welcomed as I thought it would be, and I had many people insulting me for living on my boat due to the handling of issues in False Creek.”

Enter liveaboard moorage—an innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to unlock housing potential along BC’s stunning coastlines at a much lower cost than traditional housing.

Imagine this: waking up to ocean views every morning, your home gently swaying with the tide, surrounded by nature, all while paying a fraction of the cost of a Vancouver condo. For many people, this isn’t a vacation—it’s the reality of living aboard a boat, a lifestyle already embraced by thousands in BC. But what if we scaled this up? What if liveaboard moorage became a key player in solving BC’s housing woes?

A New Wave of Housing Possibilities

The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we live and work. Remote work is now the norm for many, giving people the freedom to live outside traditional housing setups. Liveaboard moorage fits perfectly into this shift, offering flexibility and affordability while reducing reliance on the overheated rental markets of Vancouver, Victoria, and beyond. For remote knowledge workers, liveaboards even offer a possibility to travel and relocate along BC’s beautiful coastline in a form of slow year-round adventure travel.

*A long-time commercial Vessel operator, Morgane Oger lives full time at anchor on her fishing vessel Sena II.* *“The biggest challenge for me is a lack of infrastructure and hostility from publicly-funded dock operators”*

BC has over 160 marinas and harbours as well as countless sheltered bays—untapped resources in the housing conversation. If even 10% of marina space were allocated for liveaboards, and if just 1,000 reliable moorages were maintained throughout BC for at-anchor liveaboard households, thousands of homes could be created, taking pressure off the urban rental market. This isn’t just a pipe dream; cities around the world, from Amsterdam to Seattle, have embraced liveaboard communities as sustainable housing options.

Regulatory Barriers and Policy Solutions

One of the biggest obstacles to expanding liveaboard housing in BC is the regulatory environment. Many municipalities and marinas have strict regulations that either limit or outright prohibit long-term liveaboards.

Local governments often cite concerns about sewage management, environmental impact, and marina liability. Additionally, zoning laws frequently categorize liveaboards as recreational rather than residential, restricting people from legally making boats their primary homes.

Potential solutions include:

Implementing liveaboard-specific zoning policies that allow marinas to designate a portion of their moorage for permanent residents.
Providing incentives for marina operators to accommodate liveaboards, such as tax breaks or infrastructure grants.
Introducing eco-certification programs that ensure liveaboards use environmentally friendly waste management and energy solutions.

Governments at both the provincial and municipal levels must recognize that liveaboard housing is a viable, sustainable, and scalable option and adjust policies accordingly.

Quantifying the Affordability Argument

Housing affordability is the driving force behind many people choosing to live aboard, yet data comparing costs is scarce. A typical one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver rents for approximately $2,500 per month, while a two-bedroom can cost over $3,500. In contrast, moorage fees range from $400 to $1,500 per month, depending on location, amenities, and services.

Additional costs for liveaboards include maintenance, insurance, and sewage pump-outs, but these still pale in comparison to Vancouver’s housing costs. For a fraction of the cost of a city condo, individuals can own and maintain a floating home.

In Seattle, where liveaboards are more common, moorage and associated costs still fall significantly below market rent, making floating homes an accessible alternative. BC could take lessons from Seattle’s regulatory approach to create a more accommodating framework for liveaboard residents.

Reconciliation and the Waterways

This conversation can’t happen without acknowledging that BC’s coastlines are on unceded Indigenous land. First Nations have stewarded these waters for millennia, and any liveaboard policies must center their voices, sovereignty, and traditions.

Collaboration with Indigenous communities is essential. Indigenous-led marina projects or co-governed liveaboard moorages could provide economic opportunities, job training, and sustainable infrastructure investment. By integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into environmental regulations, BC can ensure that liveaboard expansions are done responsibly and in harmony with marine ecosystems.

Sustainability at Sea

One of the most exciting aspects of liveaboard moorage is its potential to promote sustainable living. Unlike sprawling suburbs that consume land and resources, liveaboards tread lightly. Retrofitting marinas for waste management and eco-certifications is far cheaper and less disruptive than building new housing developments.

Innovative solutions include:

Solar and wind energy installations to power liveaboard homes.
Green sewage and greywater systems that minimize pollution.
Composting and waste reduction initiatives specific to floating communities.

BC’s housing strategy could use liveaboard moorage as a pilot model for net-zero housing, making water-based living an environmental success story.

Public Perception and NIMBYism

Despite its benefits, liveaboard housing often faces opposition from communities and marina operators due to misconceptions about transiency, crime, or environmental damage.

Public education campaigns could help combat these biases by highlighting:

The economic benefits liveaboards bring to waterfront communities.
The environmental advantages of compact, low-impact housing.
The vibrant, close-knit communities formed in marinas.

Seattle’s successful integration of liveaboards into urban planning demonstrates that, with proper regulations and public buy-in, floating communities can thrive and contribute positively to cities.

Climate Resilience and Disaster Preparedness

With increasing climate-related disasters, could liveaboard housing play a role in climate resilience? Floating homes are naturally adaptive to rising sea levels, making them a future-proof housing solution for coastal cities.

Conversely, liveaboards do face challenges in extreme weather conditions. Policies should include:

Storm preparedness infrastructure in marinas.
Emergency response plans tailored to liveaboard communities.
Floating breakwaters to protect vessels during high winds and surges.

By investing in floating housing solutions now, BC could position itself as a global leader in climate-adaptive housing.

Community on the Water

Liveaboard life isn’t just about housing—it’s about building vibrant, tight-knit communities. Residents share resources, help each other with boat maintenance, and create unique social bonds that can’t always be found in traditional neighborhoods. However, liveaboard households deserve the same rights and services as those on land.

This means advocating for:

Equitable access to healthcare and emergency services.
Legal protections for liveaboards facing eviction from marinas.
Funding for floating infrastructure projects that support long-term water-based communities.

Anchoring the Solution

The benefits of liveaboard moorage are clear: reduced housing costs, sustainable living, and new opportunities for Indigenous economic participation. But the time to act is now. With strategic investments in marina retrofitting and community consultation, BC could pave the way for liveaboard moorage to become a cornerstone of its housing strategy.

Next Steps for Policymakers

Pilot Liveaboard-Friendly Marinas: Select a few BC marinas to test a liveaboard expansion program with government incentives.
Review and Reform Zoning Laws: Ensure that liveaboard residents have legal status and protections.
Invest in Green Infrastructure: Fund eco-friendly marina upgrades and waste management programs.
Partner with Indigenous Communities: Establish Indigenous-led marina projects and revenue-sharing models.
Launch a Public Awareness Campaign: Address misconceptions and highlight liveaboard success stories.

Conclusion: The Tide is Turning

Picture this: a province where liveaboards help stabilize rental prices, support reconciliation efforts, and offer an affordable, adventurous lifestyle for residents. It’s a vision that blends BC’s coastal heritage with its pressing need for housing innovation.

The tide is turning. Are we ready to ride the wave?

References and Further Reading

1. Regulatory Framework and Policies

British Columbia’s Crown Land Use for Marinas and Yacht Clubs: This document outlines the regulations governing the establishment and operation of marinas and yacht clubs on Crown land in BC. It specifies that moorage facilities must comply with Canadian Coast Guard regulations, as well as local government zoning and building regulations. Notably, it states that “moorage of a boat or other structure for use as a permanent or temporary live-aboard facility is not permitted.” www2.gov.bc.ca
Seattle’s Shoreline Master Program: Seattle has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework for floating residences, including liveaboards. The program defines various types of floating residences and sets forth regulations regarding their use and location. This framework could serve as a model for BC in developing policies that accommodate liveaboard communities. seattle.gov

2. Affordability Comparisons

Vancouver Moorage Costs: An article from “Vancouver Is Awesome” provides insights into the costs associated with living aboard a boat in Vancouver. It notes that there is a moorage fee of $15.58 per foot per month, and electricity use is metered, with boats being charged based on usage. This information can be used to compare the affordability of liveaboard living to traditional housing options in the area. However, it is important to recognize that liveaboard moorage spots in Vancouver are very difficult to access and have resulted in a grey market economy where sellers charge significant amounts to transfer a liveaboard license to a buyer. vancouverisawesome.com

3. Indigenous Collaboration and Environmental Stewardship

Standards for Float Homes and Live-Aboard Vessels in Victoria Harbour: This document identifies safety and construction standards for live-aboard vessels and float homes in Victoria Harbour. It emphasizes the importance of environmental responsibility, which aligns with Indigenous stewardship principles. Collaborating with Indigenous communities to develop and enforce such standards could promote sustainable liveaboard practices. gvha.ca

4. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Liveaboard Code of Ethics by the British Columbia Nautical Residents Association: This code provides guidelines for liveaboards to foster good relationships with marinas and surrounding communities. It emphasizes environmental responsibility, including managing sewage responsibly, reducing grey-water discharge, and using environmentally friendly products. Adherence to such guidelines can mitigate environmental concerns associated with liveaboard living. bcnr.org

5. Community Integration and Public Perception

Liveaboard Policies at Van Isle Marina: Van Isle Marina in Victoria offers liveaboard moorage to boats over 35 feet for a monthly fee. This indicates a level of acceptance and integration of liveaboard communities within local marinas, which can serve as a case study for broader community integration. vanislemarina.com

5. The approach in the UK: 30,000 people living on boats

In the United Kingdom, living aboard boats is a lifestyle embraced by many, particularly along the extensive canal networks.

Approximately 30,000 people live full-time on boats in the UK, according to estimates from UK Boats (uk.boats.com). The Canal & River Trust reported 35,130 licensed boats on UK waterways in 2021, with 23.4% of boaters identifying as liveaboards (The Guardian). Most boaters (74.3%) have home moorings, while continuous cruisers must move every 14 days

The approach to residential boating involves a combination of licensing, mooring regulations, and adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Licensing Requirements in the UK

All boats used for residential purposes on UK waterways must be properly licensed. The Canal & River Trust (CRT), which manages over 2,000 miles of inland waterways in England and Wales, requires boaters to have a valid boat license. Boaters can choose between having a home mooring or adopting a continuous cruising lifestyle. Continuous cruisers must move to a new location every 14 days and are not permitted to remain in one place for extended periods without a home mooring. citeturn0search0

Mooring Options available to UK boaters

Mooring options for residential boaters include:

Residential Moorings: Designated spots where living aboard is permitted. These moorings often provide amenities such as electricity, water, and waste disposal. Availability can be limited, especially in urban areas.
Leisure Moorings: Intended for short-term stays and not for permanent residence.
Continuous Cruising: Boaters without a fixed mooring must adhere to movement guidelines set by the CRT, which require relocating to a new place every 14 days.

Safety and Environmental Standards

Residential boaters are required to comply with safety and environmental regulations, including:

Boat Safety Scheme (BSS): Ensures vessels meet safety standards to prevent hazards like fires or pollution.
Environmental Considerations: Proper waste disposal and sewage management are mandatory to protect waterways.

Planning and Council Tax in the UK

Living aboard a boat in the UK may have planning and taxation implications, and residential moorings can be subject to local planning permissions. Additionally, residential boaters may be liable for Council Tax, depending on their mooring arrangements and local council policies.

Morgane Oger