After A Top-Down Approach On Housing, BC Is Starting To Listen. Is That Enough?

British Columbia's government is shifting its housing strategy by introducing measures aimed at accelerating home construction and addressing affordability issues. Premier David Eby and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon have announced initiatives to streamline permitting processes and encourage investment in the housing sector. These actions come in response to declining housing starts and a pressing need for more housing options in the province.

A significant development is the launch of the Single Housing Application Service (SHAS), designed to simplify the permitting process for homebuilders. This one-stop shop approach eliminates the need for multiple applications across different ministries, potentially reducing permit timelines by two months. Dedicated staff, known as "navigators," will guide applicants through all stages of permit applications, acting as a single point of contact to coordinate decisions across ministries.

In addition to streamlining permits, the government is focusing on increasing rental housing through secondary suites. A new guide, "Home Suite Home," has been introduced to assist homeowners in building and managing rental suites. Furthermore, a pilot program set to launch in early 2024 will provide approximately 3,000 homeowners with forgivable loans of up to $40,000 to create new secondary suites or accessory dwelling units, provided they are rented below market rates.

The province is also considering changes to the collection of development fees, proposing that municipalities collect these fees toward the end of a project rather than at the beginning. This adjustment aims to free up capital during the construction phase, potentially facilitating more housing projects.

Despite these initiatives, industry experts and local officials express concerns about their sufficiency in addressing the housing crisis. While acknowledging the positive direction, they highlight ongoing challenges in building new housing and planning for significant new density in cities. The complexity of development processes and the need for more comprehensive solutions remain pressing issues.

The government's recent actions indicate a move toward a more collaborative approach with municipalities and stakeholders. However, the effectiveness of these measures in substantially alleviating British Columbia's housing challenges is yet to be seen. Continued efforts and broader strategies may be necessary to meet the province's housing needs fully.