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In this issue:
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Spring legislative session update |
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The Premier’s Office has confirmed that Raj Chouhan will serve again as the Speaker of the legislature. Serving in this role since 2020, Chouhan will continue to oversee legislative proceedings and ensure they adhere to parliamentary rules as the government prepares to launch its spring session.
The schedule for the spring legislative session has also been released, with key dates including the throne speech on February 18 and Budget Day on March 4. Break weeks are scheduled for March 17-28, April 21-25, and May 19-22, with the session expected to wrap on May 29.
With the legislative schedule now confirmed, CHBA BC will be preparing to engage with policymakers and monitor how government priorities align with the needs of the homebuilding industry as mandates are finalized and the session begins. |
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Federal vacant land tax proposal |
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The federal government has proposed a Vacant Land Tax targeting undeveloped land that is vacant, residentially-zoned, serviceable, and developable. Instead of implementing the tax directly, the federal government is offering funding to provinces and municipalities that choose to adopt and administer the tax locally. The federal consultation period for this proposal is open until December 31, 2024.
Although this is a federal proposal, CHBA BC is taking proactive steps at the provincial level to prevent this tax from adding unnecessary costs to the delivery of much-needed housing. Given the current challenges like high interest rates, slow municipal approvals, and existing taxes on housing at all levels of government, a vacant land tax would only add to the challenges to building affordable and attainable homes in BC.
In support of CHBA National’s efforts, we will be writing to the provincial Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to urge against supporting this tax. Our letter will also be shared with CHBA National, as well as the political offices of federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser and federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. |
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CHBA BC members inform grab bar reinforcement code change |
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CHBA BC and BILD Alberta conducted an informal member survey that informed the Standing Committee on Use and Egress' decision to approve changes allowing wall elements and wall-mounted fixtures (e.g. niches, windows, half walls, etc.) to be installed within the grab bar reinforcement area around showers, shower/bathtub combinations, bathtubs and toilets, for adoption in the National Building Code 2025.
Thank you to all the members that participated in this survey – your insights were valuable in the discussion and decision process! |
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New data from Statistics Canada sheds some light on home flipping, reporting 2.8% of homes sold in the province had been owned for less than a year from 2019 to 2021.
The City of Surrey aims to cut building permit processing time by at least 30%.
BC mayors greet changes to the Municipal Affairs portfolio with caution and optimism. Local government leaders are speaking out about their hopes for improved relations with the province on housing and infrastructure.
Vancouver City Council voted against the motion to allow natural gas for space heating and water heating. However, council also voted in favour of the highest level of B.C.'s Zero Carbon Step Code for small residential buildings, which allows for emergency/redundant gas space heating.
The City of Vaughan in Ontario takes progressive steps to get shovels in the ground by reducing development charges by nearly 50%. Mayor Del Duca commended the reduction stating, “development charges have become an unfair tax burden on homebuyers”.
New BC mayors task force in partnership with Modular BC announced to advance BC as a North American leader in delivering a high-quality, fast, affordable modular housing program in communities across the province. |
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This newsletter is exclusive for CHBA BC members. If there is a colleague in your company or a fellow member who would like to subscribe, please let them know to update their contact information with their local association (all members of local homebuilders' associations are automatically members of CHBA BC). |
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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 |