Provincial election too close to call

This past Saturday, British Columbians cast their votes and a record 2+ million votes were counted – the most in any BC election. The nail-biter of an election night ended with neither the NDP or the Conservatives claiming victory with a majority of 47 seats and the election too close to call.

HAVAN releases new report on development finance

Earlier this month, the Homebuilders Association of Vancouver (HAVAN) released its newest report, Development Finance: New Legislation, New Charges, and the Cost of Delivery Crisis. The report highlights the vast discrepancies in development cost charges (DCCs) across the Greater Vancouver region, the impact of the incoming Metro Vancouver DCC increases, and the role of Bill 46 on future increasing costs. The report has been featured in the Vancouver Sun, Storeys, and the Daily Hive.

Bloc Québécois deadline approaching to pull support from federal Liberals

The Bloc Québécois has set an October 29 deadline for the federal Liberals to secure their support by agreeing to boost pensions and shield supply management from concessions in trade talks. Without these concessions, the Bloc has signaled that it will begin talks with the Conservatives and NDP to force an early federal election. Since the recent end of the supply-and-confidence agreement between the NDP and Liberals, there have been two non-confidence motions put forward by the Conservatives, which were both defeated. The Liberals will need the support of either the NDP or the Bloc to remain in power. As speculation grows that several MPs are signing onto a pledge to call for Trudeau to step down as leader of the party, the potential for a significant political shift in the spring becomes increasingly likely.

The federal government unveiled new mortgage refinancing for secondary suites as of January 15, 2025, which will allow eligible homeowners to access up to 90% of their property’s value.

Former BC Liberal Premier Gordon Campbell outlines four steps the province could take to improve housing affordability, including removing PST on building materials for new buildings, removing the PTT, prohibiting development cost charges, and reducing provincial income taxes.

Housing starts still ‘well below required amount’ despite 5% increase in September.

In case you missed it:

Our first issue of the Advocacy Update was released earlier this month. The issue included updates on election platforms, in-stream protections for adaptable dwelling units and earthquake design, and interim guidance for Bill 16 implementation. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to:

Jenny Scott, Director of Policy and Government Relations at jenny@chbabc.org. 

Pauline Rupp, Director of Technical and Building Innovation at pauline@chbabc.org.