Advocacy Update #11 - April 8, 2025

In this issue:

• Federal Election 2025
• Metro Vancouver to Reduce DCCs and Extend In-stream Protection
• Released: New Policy Guidance Documents
• CHBA Member Knowledge Centre

Federal Election 2025

The federal election is officially underway, with voting day set for Monday, April 28. Housing is already emerging as a top issue, with both major parties making early commitments aimed at improving affordability by removing the GST on newly-built homes.

CHBA National has developed several resources to support engagement during the election period, including:

• The CHBA InfoGuide “Unlocking the Door to Homeownership – CHBA Recommendations on the Federal Role 2025” with up-to-date recommendations
• CHBA recommendations on tariffs that CHBA has been using in their advocacy and media appearances.
• CHBA questions guide for interactions with candidates in your riding, like all-candidates panels.

Metro Vancouver to Reduce DCCs and Extend In-stream Protection

The Government of Canada and British Columbia have finalized an agreement under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) which will provide $250 million in federal funding over five years for Phase 1 of the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant project. 

Most important for the residential construction industry, the agreement includes two key measures: a reduction in Metro Vancouver development cost charges (DCCs) for homebuilders and an extension of existing in-stream protection for housing projects – both actions reflect recommendations strongly advocated for by HAVAN and CHBA BC.

Released: New Policy Guidance Documents

In early March, the Province released its Amenity Cost Charge Best Practices Guide as well as its Policy Manual on Tenant Protection Bylaws. Since then, the Province has released several new guidance documents including:

• Development Cost Charge Best Practices Guide
• Inclusionary Zoning and Density Bonusing Comprehensive Guidance
• Proactive Planning Guidance

These documents are intended to outline best practices and provincial guidance on the implementation of the municipal tools and authorities granted through Bill 46 (development finance) and Bill 16. If you have any questions about these guidance documents, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jenny Scott at jenny@chbabc.org. 

CHBA Member Knowledge Centre

Did you know that all CHBA members have access to the CHBA Knowledge Centre, a resource on National Building Code information? Recent summaries include:

• What’s coming in the 2025 Codes?
• Code Compliance for Modular Buildings

Members must log in to their CHBA National Info Hub to access the materials. 

Carney pledges to get feds back into the “Business of Homebuilding” through his new housing plan which aims to double the pace of housing construction to 500,000 homes a year by cutting red tape and taxes.

Premier’s statement on softwood lumber in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce announcement that it plans to raise softwood duties against Canadian producers to 34.45.

BC Hydro has filed a two-year rate stability direction with the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC), by setting BC Hydro’s annual average rate increase at 3.75% for the next two years. For the average residential household, which currently pays approximately $100 a month, this equates to an additional $3.75 per month. The rate increases will take effect April 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026.

Given the ongoing trade war with the US, is it possible to build an all-Canadian home?

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.