AS part of the actions government is taking to deliver homes for people faster, the first cohort of municipalities for housing targets have been selected, paving the way for building more good homes in areas with the greatest need throughout British Columbia.
“The housing crisis is hurting people and holding back our economy, and we’re taking action with our partners to cut red tape and get homes built faster for people. Municipalities are our critical partners in addressing the housing crisis and building healthy, economically viable communities,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, on Wednesday. “Our government is eager to work with this first cohort of municipalities to get shovels in the ground faster and ensure the homes people need get built.”
The Housing Supply Act gives the Province the authority to set housing targets in municipalities, starting with those with the greatest need and highest projected growth. The targets will encourage municipalities to address local barriers to construction so that housing can get built faster, including updating zoning bylaws and streamlining local development approval processes.
The selected municipalities are:
* City of Abbotsford
* City of Delta
* City of Kamloops
* District North Vancouver
* District of Oak Bay
* City of Port Moody
* District of Saanich
* City of Vancouver
* City of Victoria
* District of West Vancouver
While many communities throughout the province are facing significant housing needs, the Province has selected these municipalities using an objective and data-based process. An empirical index was developed, based on work with economists and experts in the field, to identify municipalities according to multiple dimensions of housing need. The index relies on measures that prioritize the urgency of local housing needs, the availability of the right housing supply, including land availability and unrealized potential for more homes, and housing affordability.
Over the summer, the Province will consult with the selected municipalities and set the final housing targets. All communities will be encouraged to take the action needed to speed up local processes. Many already have.
Once targets are set, the Province will monitor progress and work with municipalities to help address any barriers. To support implementation, the Province will continue to help local governments speed up local approval processes through the continued implementation of the development approvals process review, as well as the Province’s work accelerating and streamlining provincial permitting across multiple ministries and developing a new digital permitting process.
“The housing challenges we see today aren’t just limited to one municipality, they impact our region and province as a whole. It’s great to see the provincial government taking an increased leadership role in ensuring the delivery of more housing across the province,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “In the last six months, Vancouver has made significant headway in breaking down long-standing barriers to housing approval and construction. We hope our progress can inspire other communities across British Columbia to take bold action on housing.”
The act enables compliance options as a last resort, should municipalities struggle to create the conditions that are necessary to ensure housing gets built.
A second group of eight to 10 municipalities will be selected and notified in late 2023.
The Housing Supply Act is part of the Province’s Homes for People action plan to deliver more homes in B.C., building on B.C.’s $19-billion housing investment and the introduction of effective tools to tackle speculation and increase the number of rentals.
Learn More:
For a backgrounder detailing municipality selection index indicators, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/
