Advocacy Update #27 - December 16, 2025

In this issue:

• Member Resource: Cowichan Decision Webinar Recording Now Available
• Advocating for Improvements to Natural Resource Permitting
• Public Review of Proposed BC Building Code Changes
• CHBA BC's Holiday Office Closure

Member Resource: Cowichan Decision Webinar Recording Now Available

Have questions about the Cowichan Tribes v. Canada court decision but missed our December 2 webinar? You can now watch the complete recording here.  

CHBA BC members were joined by Sharon G.K Singh, Partner at McMillan LLP, who provided a legal overview of the ruling and walked through key elements of the case, along with the historical context behind the decision.

Advocating for Improvements to Natural Resource Permitting

CHBA BC has submitted a letter regarding the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship’s (WLRS) legislative proposals on permitting to advocate for: 

• Further targeted consultation with industry and professional regulators regarding mitigation hierarchy requirements including in-lieu payments; 

• The development of wetlands delineation mapping; and 

• The clarification of permit application requirements to prevent unnecessary delays for builders. 

CHBA BC submitted a previous letter of feedback as part of phase one of consultation in October, regarding the proposed regulatory changes aimed at simplifying permitting through expanded exemptions. 

Please direct any comments or questions to mahsa@chbabc.org.

Public Review of Proposed Changes to the BC Building Code

The B.C. Government invites comments on upcoming amendments to British Columbia Building Code (BC Codes) 2024.

The technical public review will run until January 23, 2026. Approved revisions are anticipated to take effect by March 2026.

This technical public review focuses on the following proposed changes:

• Adopt revised energy efficiency step code metrics adjustments for smaller homes in colder climates.

• Adopt National Model Code provisions for Secondary Suites as an option (pending).

• Permit the use and acceptance of CCMC evaluations as acceptable solutions.

Please note: The proposed code change for Secondary Suites will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Other proposed changes include:

• A new compliance option for upgrading structural (seismic) performance of existing buildings subject to alterations and/or additions.

• Provide further guidance for Structural Engineers by defining structural elasticity.

• Strata

• Clarifying braced wall panel exemptions for garages and accessory buildings.

Questions on the survey or the proposed code changes can be emailed to construction.standards@gov.bc.ca.

Access the survey on the proposed code changes here.

Vancouver City Council approved new space-saving stair designs to improve housing supply. 

UBC professor calls for rethinking the role of the City Manager

City of Surrey intensifies enforcement against illegal construction

CMHC data shows development charges are prevalent and uneven across the country

Why Richmond residents weren't told about First Nation's claim to title

BC foreclosures rising as higher mortgage payments kick in

CHBA BC's Holiday Office Closure

The CHBA BC office will be closed for the holiday season starting December 19 and will reopen on January 5, 2026. This marks the final Advocacy Update of 2025, with updates resuming in the new year.

On behalf of all of us at CHBA BC, we wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.

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.