HOUSING targets for the first 10 municipalities selected as part of the Housing Supply Act have been released.
“The housing crisis is hurting people, holding back our economy and impacting the services we all count on,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, on Tuesday. “We’re taking action and working with municipal partners to make sure more homes are built in communities with the greatest housing need. The targets include thousands of below-market rental units for the largest and fastest-growing communities. This means more people will be able find a home in the community they love.”
To support implementation, the Province will continue to provide local governments with resources to speed up approval processes, including $10 million for continued implementation of the Development Approvals Process Review, and the Province’s work accelerating and streamlining provincial permitting across multiple ministries and developing a new digital permitting process. This is funding in addition to the $1-billion Growing Communities Fund launched in February 2023 and the recently announced $51 million to support local governments in meeting new density initiatives.
The first 10 municipalities were selected for housing target assessment in May 2023 under the authority of the Housing Supply Act, which allows the Province to set housing targets in communities with the most urgent housing needs. The Province consulted with the selected municipalities during the summer to set the final housing target orders. These housing targets are net new units to be completed within five years.
The target orders for each municipality:
* City of Abbotsford – 7,240 housing units
* City of Delta – 3,607 housing units
* City of Kamloops – 4,236 housing units
* District North Vancouver – 2,838 housing units
* District of Oak Bay – 664 housing units
* City of Port Moody – 1,694 housing units
* District of Saanich – 4,610 housing units
* City of Vancouver – 28,900 housing units
* City of Victoria – 4,902 housing units
* District of West Vancouver – 1,432 housing units
The housing targets put forward by the Province mark a 38% increase in overall housing to be built in these communities over what was projected to have been created based on historic trends.
In addition to the targets, the Province has sent each of the 10 municipalities a list of housing target guidelines, including a recommended number of units by size (one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom), rental versus owned units, below-market rental units and units with on-site supports. These guidelines include more than 16,800 below-market rentals.
The analysis took into consideration the total number of units that are needed to address the shortage of housing now and to respond to population growth over the next five years, and while the Province encourages municipalities to work hard to meet the total housing need, the targets have been set based on 75% of that municipality’s identified housing need.
Delta Mayor George V. Harvie said: “As mayor of Delta, I am dedicated to enhancing housing opportunities for all present and future residents of our city. Delta acknowledges the proposed housing targets set forth by the Ministry of Housing and is committed to working collaboratively to achieve our shared objective of ensuring that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can secure housing. We also recognize the pivotal role that the Province plays in supporting municipalities like Delta. To successfully pursue our housing targets while maintaining a high level of services for our community, we look forward to working with the Province to support continued investments in infrastructure and other critical areas. Together, we can make meaningful progress toward our housing goals and enhance the overall quality of life in our tremendous community.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said: “Vancouver is ready to take the lead on building new housing. We have said getting homes built requires an all-hands-on-deck approach and we are pleased to see clear support from the Province to build the homes that we need to tackle the housing crisis head on. The City of Vancouver is fully committed to do what it takes to make sure we have attainable housing for everyone who calls our city home.”
“These targets are a step toward creating more homes to meet the diverse housing needs of Saanich residents,” said Dean Murdock, Mayor of Saanich. “We are committed to working together with the Province on housing solutions, and welcome their support to help us achieve our goals.”
Municipalities will be evaluated after six months, and every year thereafter, on their progress toward achieving the housing targets and actions taken to meet the target. The Province will monitor progress and work with municipalities to better understand challenges and opportunities.
Quick Facts:
* A second cohort of eight to 10 municipalities will be selected and notified in late 2023.
* The act includes compliance options that can be used as a last resort if municipalities are not aligning their efforts to achieve housing targets.
* The Housing Supply Act is part of the Province’s Homes for People action plan to deliver more housing for people, 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 with detailed housing target guidelines:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/
To review the Housing Target Orders for each municipality, visit:
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/
To learn about the housing supply act, visit:
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/