Advocacy Update #17 - July 15, 2025

In this issue:

• Phase 3 Engagement on Heritage Conservation Act 
• Call for Interest: CHBA BC Development Finance Subcommittee
• BC Building Code Revision 6 Published
• Revised BC Hydro Distribution Extension Policy Now in Effect
• ZEBx Seeks Utility Data from High-Performance Homes

Phase 3 Engagement on Heritage Conservation Act 

On July 9, the Province announced that it is moving forward with Phase 3 of engagement to modernize the Heritage Conservation Act. This act governs the protection, management, and conservation of cultural and heritage sites in BC. This update is a part of the Heritage Conservation Act Transformation Project (HCTAP), and will be the first major update in 29 years. 

The proposed changes are intended to reduce permit wait time, provide clarity on identification of heritage sites early in the planning process, and strengthen the role of First Nations in decision-making for Crown land. It is important to note that the legislation will not apply to shared decision-making on private property, meaning it will not affect a builder’s ability to develop or make decisions about privately owned land.

Phase 3 consultations will run from July to October 2025 and the updated legislation is expected to be tabled in the spring of 2026. CHBA BC will be participating in the engagement process with Ministry staff in the coming weeks. 

Call for Interest: CHBA BC Development Finance Subcommittee

CHBA BC is currently recruiting new members for our Development Finance Subcommittee (DFSC), a group that plays a vital role in identifying current and emerging issues in development finance and to recommend responses to be applied at the local and provincial levels.

The DFSC serves as a forum for members to address a range of topics such as development cost charges, amenity cost charges, community amenity contributions, density bonuses, property transfer tax, and other fees/charges related to residential development.

The subcommittee meets virtually on an as-needed basis, providing flexibility while ensuring members stay engaged on timely issues.

If interested, please reach out to taushifa@chbabc.org. 

BC Building Code Revision 6 Published

Effective June 16, 2025, BC Building Code Revision 6 contains updates to the adaptable dwelling unit provisions and lateral load requirements for houses and small buildings.

Adaptable Dwelling Units:
The updates identify additional design options and remove unintended rules. These changes do not introduce new restrictions, or necessitate changes in practice, as the new design choices are optional and may reduce costs. Key updates include:

• Allow design alternatives, such as for accessible spaces, to follow the CSA B651-18 standard “Accessible design for the built environment”, which allow adjustments to clearances and widths for greater economy of space,
• greater clarity and consistency by assigning definitions to terms used,
• correction that a bedroom closet is optional—not required,
• additional options and flexibility adjacent toilets for structural assemblies that could support grab bars, and
• direction that the adaptable dwelling unit provisions only apply to new construction and not to alterations to existing dwellings (which could be impractical/impossible).

Lateral Load Requirements (Wind/Seismic) for Houses and Small Buildings:
These revisions reflect recommendations from the National Research Council of Canada committee that developed the original lateral load provisions. Key updates include:

• greater clarity on anchorage and joints of framing members to improve safety,
• correcting images to inform which requirements apply to which storeys, and
• correcting an equation for more practical and logical alternative solutions.

Click here to access Revision 6 of the BC Building Code 2024.

Revised BC Hydro Distribution Extension Policy Now in Effect

As of July 5, 2025, BC Hydro has implemented an updated Distribution Extension Policy which governs how costs are allocated for new or upgraded connections to BC Hydro’s distribution system. The revised policy was approved by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) in March following input from CHBA BC, municipalities, and other stakeholders.

Key changes:

• Elimination of system improvement costs in most cases, except under extraordinary circumstances.
• Increased BC Hydro contributions now offset service connection and extension costs, reducing costs for many customers.
• Expanding extension fee refund timelines.

Click here to read more information on the new policy.

ZEBx Seeks Utility Data from High-Performance Homes

The Zero Emissions Building Exchange (ZEBx) powered by the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC), is collecting utility data from high-performance homes to determine the real emissions and energy profiles of BC homes.

If you work with owners of Part 9 residential homes built to Step Code 4 or higher, Passive House, or CHBA Net Zero standards, they may qualify for a $300 incentive just for sharing one year of utility data.

Understanding the real-life energy and emissions profile of high-performance homes can help identify gaps between modeled performance and actual outcomes, valuable insight that can inform future regulations and policies to better support low-carbon goals.

You can refer homeowners to the NearZero4 website to check eligibility and sign up.

Peel region votes to lower development charges by 50%.

CMHC releases its 2025 mid-year rental market update.

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.