COVID-19 UPDATE
This notice is to provide you with an update around SPARC BC’s business activities in response to COVID-19.
Please note that while our offices are closed to the public there is a drop box in our front lobby area at 4445 Norfolk Street, Burnaby, B.C.
Customers can drop off their completed application and renewal forms from Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our processing time is 7 business days and your permit and wallet card will be mailed to you.
If you are renewing your permit, you can renew on-line at online.sparc.bc.ca.
Our call centre at 604-718-7744 also remains open to help you. Likewise, if you are calling from outside of the Lower Mainland, you can reach us by calling 1-888-718-7794.
Wishing you all the best as we are all in this together.
Homelessness Community Action Grants
Working, learning and acting together to end homelessness
The Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC) has been asked by the Province to administer the Homelessness Community Action Grant program which provides $6 million to help community groups address homelessness in their communities. This grant will support organizations or communities in exploring ways to better meet the needs of those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Learn More
2018 Child Poverty Report Card
The 2018 Report Card shows that BC continues to struggle with high levels of child poverty, with 1 in 5 children under the age of 17 in BC living below the poverty line.
download PDF
B.C. Seniors’ Poverty Report Card
British Columbia is experiencing a rapid ageing of our population. Based on BC Stats Population Projections, the number of seniors (65+ years old) in British Columbia is expected to double between 2015 and 2041.
download PDF
BC Families Infographic Series
The BC Council for Families has partnered with SPARC BC to produce a series of infographics about family demographics in regional districts across BC...
read more
BC and Regional Districts Profiles
This series of fact-sheets shows key community indicators at a glance. How does your region measure up?
New Directions Survey
The New Directions Survey of Non-Profit Organizations and Voluntary Associations in BC collected data and stories about the sector from 1,865 non-profit organizations in more than 170 communities across BC.
Download New Directions Reports:
Survey Report 2015 (PDF)
Community Conversations Report (PDF)
Collectively Speaking (PDF)
The Invisible Senior
Through personal stories, West End seniors shed light on many issues facing older renters in the West End. Produced by West End Seniors Network (WESN) and SPARC BC in collaboration with local seniors, Gordon Neighbourhood House and the West End Seniors’ Community Planning Table.
Metro Vancouver's Debtscape
This report maps the changing ratios of income, debt and assets over the time period between 2007 and 2012 – at the neighbourhood level.
download PDF
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020SDPR0012-000620
On June 9th, the District of @LakeCountryBC will host 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 & 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳. This FREE community event will showcase available resources and services and celebrate the Okanagan lifestyle. Learn more https://www.lchps.com/post/lake-country-health-fair
