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Advocacy Update #15 - June 17, 2025 |
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In this issue:
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Member Feedback Requested: Prompt Payment Legislation Survey |
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CHBA BC is extending the feedback period for members on the potential introduction of Prompt Payment legislation, currently under consideration by the Attorney General of British Columbia
To ensure our submission reflects the collective voice of our membership, we’re asking members to complete a brief survey. Your input will help identify key areas of concern and shape recommendations to mitigate potential impacts on the residential construction sector.
As part of our advocacy efforts, CHBA BC is recommending exemptions and delayed effective dates to provide stability for builders. Similar legislation has already been introduced in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and most recently, New Brunswick.
Over the years, there have been ample discussions about bringing this legislation to B.C., and CHBA BC has outlined our position opposing it in this document.
We aim to submit our feedback to the Province before a consultation draft is shared with other stakeholders. The survey is open until Tuesday, June 24.
Click here to access the Prompt Payment survey. |
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Federal-Provincial Push Aligns to Accelerate Prefab Housing in B.C. |
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On May 27, 2025, the new federal government reaffirmed a major campaign promise in its throne speech: the launch of the Build Canada Homes program. Backed by more than $25 billion in financing, this initiative aims to supercharge the country’s prefabricated housing sector.
B.C. is emerging as a national leader in this sector. Non-profit Modular BC reports that just 4.5% of new B.C. homes are prefab today, but aims to increase this to 25% within five years. The organization is also developing a “made-in-B.C.” playbook, in partnership with local mayors and the National Research Council, to guide other provinces.
The Province has long aligned its priorities with the Federal agenda. As a part of his own election campaign in Fall 2024, Premier David Eby promised to fast-tracking prefab development to address the housing crisis. Recently, B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon also expressed the province’s eagerness to collaborate with the federal government in advancing prefabricated housing. He emphasized that achieving the Prime Minister’s ambitious housing goals will require a shift in construction methods, noting, “We’re going to have to build differently.”
At the municipal level, a five-member Mayors Task Force, has been established to facilitate prefab integration and educate local officials. With Federal investment and a coordinated approach, B.C. is well-positioned to lead Canada’s prefab housing transformation. |
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New Tool Shows How Fees and Taxes Shape Housing Prices |
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The Missing Middle Initiative has developed the Housing Construction Tax Calculator tool, designed to analyze how tax and fee policies affect BC’s home construction costs.
This calculator allows users to simulate the impact of various policy changes, such as adjusting development charges, GST rebates, and property transfer tax (PTT) thresholds. The calculator lays out seven scenarios, from a “business-as-usual” baseline to options that discount or defer development cost charges or shift those costs to buyers. With these side-by-side comparisons, builders and policymakers can quickly spot which reforms would do the most to bring housing prices down.
For detailed information about the tool, please read the Missing Middle Initiative’s blog post. |
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CHBA BC's Budget 2026 Submission |
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CHBA BC’s Budget 2026 recommendations to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services will be submitted this week.
Our key priorities to support housing delivery and affordability in British Columbia include:
If you have any questions, or have feedback, please contact Taushifa@chbabc.org or Jenny@chbabc.org. |
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Climate Action Dashboard Tracks Step Code Adoption Across the Province |
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A growing number of BC local governments are adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code and higher steps of the Energy Step Code to support the creation of greener, more energy-efficient new buildings.
To help track this progress, the Community Energy Association has developed the BC Community Climate Action Dashboard, which highlights where and how these codes are being implemented, often ahead of provincial requirements.
The interactive dashboard allows users to filter data by local government, adoption type (mandatory or voluntary), year of adoption, and energy or carbon step level.
You can explore the dashboard here. |
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BOABC Releases Updated Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code Handbook |
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The Building Officials Association of British Columbia (BOABC) has published an updated handbook for Part 9 residential buildings with practical guidance on applying the Step Codes across jurisdictions.
The handbook was commissioned by BOABC and funded by BOABC, BC Hydro, and the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. While it is primarily intended for Building Officials responsible for compliance, plan checks, and inspections under the Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code, it may also serve as a useful reference for builders and other industry professionals. |
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This newsletter is exclusive for Canadian Home Builders' Association of BC (CHBA BC) members. If a colleague would like to subscribe, please have them update their contact information with their local association. For questions, feel free to contact Jenny Scott, Director of Policy and Government Relations, or Pauline Rupp, Director of Technical and Building Innovation. |
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