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Advocacy Update #12 - May 6, 2025 |
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In this issue:
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What’s Next After the Federal Election |
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After a very close race, the federal election has concluded with the Liberal Party, led by newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, securing a minority government. While the Liberals will form government, Elections Canada is still validating results, and several ridings may undergo judicial recounts due to razor-thin margins. Prime Minister Carney has already indicated his government will not be entering a formal confidence-and-supply agreement with the NDP.
Key Dates and Next Steps:
Register for CHBA National's post-election webinar examining the results and what they mean for B.C.'s residential construction industry. |
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Premier Eby’s Letter to the Prime Minister |
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Following the election, Premier Eby shared a letter to Prime Minister Carney outlining BC's key priorities for collaboration with the newly elected federal government, with housing highlighted as one of four critical areas of focus.
Amid ongoing tariff concerns, the Premier reaffirms his government's commitment to increasing housing supply and has signalled B.C.'s readiness to work with the federal government to keep housing projects moving forward. |
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Province Moves to Extend DCC Instream Protection Period for Metro Vancouver |
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On April 29, the Province introduced legislation to extend the instream protection period for Metro Vancouver Development Cost Charges (DCCs) from 12 to 24 months. If passed, this temporary extension would apply specifically to the Metro Vancouver Regional District and Greater Vancouver Water District DCCs adopted March 22, 2024. It would allow developers who submitted complete precursor applications on or before March 22, 2024 to use existing rates if their building permit is issued before March 22, 2026.
CHBA BC has long advocated for stronger transition measures and instream protections for significant fee increases. We are pleased to see the Province take this step to provide a longer transitionary period for projects already underway. |
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Calling All Forward Thinkers: Join our Building Innovation Task Group |
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Want to be involved in advancing innovative housing solutions, like single-stair buildings, for the residential construction industry?
The newly-established Building Innovation Task Group will explore innovative housing solutions and practices that enhance housing affordability, quality and performance. Composed of volunteer members from each of CHBA BC's local HBAs, this group seeks diverse perspectives, evidence-based input, and real case studies on housing solutions for the province.
If this group sounds like the right fit for you, please submit an Expression of Interest via email to Pauline Rupp, Director, Technical and Building Innovation.
Click here to read the Terms of Reference for the Building Innovation Task Group. |
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BC Hydro’s Distribution Extension Policy |
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BC Hydro’s updated Distribution Extension Policy was approved by the BC Utilities Commission last month. Changes were developed with extensive industry engagement, summarized below:
BC Hydro will be hosting virtual information sessions for builders and developers on May 8 and May 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Click here to register. |
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What Mark Carney’s election win means for Canadian housing and questions swirl around new Liberal government’s housing plans.
BC Hydro Rebate changes – heat pump rebates have changed as of May 1, 2025 and rebates for fuel switching have ended.
Pierre Poilievre to run in by-election for Alberta seat in Battle River-Crowfoot after MP Damien Kurek agrees to step down. |
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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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