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Advocacy Update #10 - March 11, 2025 |
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In this issue:
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Call For Interest: Join CHBA BC's Government Relations Committee |
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CHBA BC is seeking new members to join our Government Relations (GR) Committee. This committee serves as a forum for members to identify current and emerging issues that impact the residential construction industry and plays a key role in supporting CHBA BC's government relations and advocacy efforts.
If you are interested in contributing your voice to CHBA BC’s advocacy efforts, please submit your expression of interest by March 20, 2025 to Jenny Scott at jenny@chbabc.org. |
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Released: Amenity Cost Charge Best Practices Guide & Policy Manual on Tenant Protection Bylaws |
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Last week, the Province released its Amenity Cost Charge Best Practices Guide as well as its Policy Manual on Tenant Protection Bylaws.
The Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) Best Practices Guide provides policy guidance on the implementation of this new development finance tool which allows local governments to collect funds for amenities such as community centres, recreation centres, daycares, and libraries from new development.
Tenant protection bylaws are a tool which gives municipalities authority to require owners to provide added support for tenants facing displacement due to redevelopment. There are several municipalities that have existing tenant protection and relocation bylaws in place– more information can be found here. |
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CHBA BC Meets with the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship |
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On February 28, CHBA BC met with the Hon. Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Deputy Minister Lori Halls, and other key ministry staff.
The discussion centred on streamlining provincial permitting processes, highlighting the successes and challenges of the province’s “one-window” permitting strategy. |
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We emphasized the need for additional staff to process applications efficiently, reliance on qualified professionals, and a comprehensive review of the current permitting process to eliminate unnecessary and unclear regulatory requirements. |
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Phased Approach to Adaptable Dwelling Units |
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As of March 10, 2025, the Province introduced significant changes to the BC Building Code 2024 for adaptable dwelling unit requirements in large residential buildings, taking a phased, measured approach by requiring one in five units to be adaptable, rather than 100%. This decision follows closely the recommendations that CHBA BC has consistently advocated.
The following materials have been published to support implementation of the BC Building Codes 2024:
Further consultations with the accessibility community and industry will take place in 2026 as the ministry reviews the model 2025 National Code requirements. |
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CHBA’s Municipal Benchmarking Study shows housing affordability has worsened due to municipal development charges and delays.
Former central bank governor Mark Carney was chosen as new Liberal Party leader with more than 85% of the points in the leadership race.
Dallas Brodie was kicked out of the BC Conservative Caucus over her comments about residential schools, and Jordan Kealy and Tara Armstrong have also left the party. They’ve announced they will sit as Independents.
BCFSA launches a pilot program for large real estate developments to allow eligible developers with projects of 100 or more units to undertake an additional 6 months of early marketing (for a total of 18 months). |
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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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