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Advocacy Update #14 - June 3, 2025 |
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In this issue:
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Housing Targets Announced for New Communities |
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On May 29, 2025, the Province announced it will set housing targets for a fourth cohort of municipalities.
Following consultation with the local governments, this latest group of priority communities will receive targets reflecting 75% of their estimated five-year housing needs. The targets will apply to Burnaby, Coldstream, Colwood, Comox, Coquitlam, Courtenay, Cumberland, Lake Country, Langley Township, Langford, Parksville, Peachland, Penticton, Pitt Meadows, Qualicum Beach, Richmond, Salmon Arm, Squamish, Summerland, and Vernon.
As with all mandated housing targets, these municipalities will be required to publish six-month progress reports to track municipal results, with follow-up actions for those municipalities that do not meet their targets. |
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In-stream Protection Period Extended for Metro Vancouver |
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On May 29, the Province approved the transition period for certain development cost charges (DCCs) in Metro Vancouver, extending in-stream protection from 12 to 24 months for Metro Vancouver Regional District and its Greater Boards.
Developers who submitted complete applications on or before March 22, 2024, can continue to access the existing rates, provided their building permit is issued by March 22, 2026. After that, updated rates will apply.
CHBA BC has consistently called for stronger transition measures for significant fee increases and welcomes this step to support cost certainty and housing delivery. |
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Federal Government Announces GST Relief for First-Time Buyers |
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On May 27, 2025, the federal government announced the introduction of a new GST rebate for first-time homebuyers on new homes at or under $1 million, with reduced GST for homes between $1 million and $1.5 million, effective immediately.
This will allow qualifying purchasers to recover up to $50,000 of the GST paid on a home bought from a builder (including on leased land). To qualify, at least one purchaser must be a “first-time home buyer” who will occupy the property as their primary residence, and the purchase agreement must be signed on or after May 27, 2025 (with construction starting before 2031 and completion before 2036).
See CHBA’s press release and the government backgrounder for more information. |
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Input on Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the National Model Codes |
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The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is seeking input from stakeholders, experts, code users, and the general public on the first phase of its draft policy direction for addressing embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in new houses and buildings in the National Model Codes 2030.
Review the draft policy positions here.
Consultation on the CBHCC’s draft policy direction ends on July 14, 2025. Please email Pauline Rupp at CHBA BC to share your comments on the draft policy direction. |
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What you need to know about the federal government’s new GST rebate for first-time home buyers.
Premier Eby contrasts B.C.’s price-lowering housing policies with Ottawa’s new direction under Minister Gregor Robertson. |
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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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