Housing Groups Urge B.C. Government to Establish Permanent Policy Roundtable
Several housing organizations, including the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, are pushing for the establishment of a permanent housing policy roundtable by the British Columbia government.
These groups argue that the roundtable is essential for developing effective housing policies, as the current focus on increasing home construction has led to disruption and confusion in local communities.
Critics, including local politicians and developers, are concerned about the lack of consultation from the government, which they believe could lead to unnecessary expenses.
Jasroop Gosal, the government relations manager at BCREA, highlighted the importance of private developers being able to provide input on policy changes to mitigate potential cost increases.
Trevor Hargreaves, a policy research and advocacy expert at the real estate association, criticized the government for introducing a slew of new legislation under Premier David Eby’s leadership, which, while aimed at boosting housing supply, has also created significant turmoil.
The legislative targets set by B.C. require communities to construct more homes and mandate adjustments to zoning regulations to allow for multi-unit housing on properties previously designated for single-family homes.
The housing groups emphasize that recent policies lack adequate input from stakeholders, prompting the call for a collaborative roundtable that would involve representatives from various sectors, including private and non-profit developers, municipalities, and more.
BCREA’s Gosal suggested that the proposed roundtable could serve as a platform for comprehensive discussions and consultations with the provincial government to address housing challenges and crises effectively.
Furthermore, delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention have echoed the need for a permanent roundtable focusing on provincial housing policy.