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Advocacy Update #13 - May 20, 2025 |
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In this issue:
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Prime Minister Carney Appoints New Cabinet |
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On May 13, Prime Minister Mark Carney swore in a 28-member cabinet to deliver on his promises to redefine the economic and security relationship with the United States, build a stronger economy, reduce the cost of living, and keep our communities safe.
The headline appointment is former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson (served 2008-2018), now Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. When asked about his mandate, Robertson says his first job is to “deliver more supply” and “double construction”, especially affordable and rental units.
The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne will continue in his role as Minister of Finance, another key portfolio, to which he was appointed when Carney first won the Liberal leadership race. |
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Province Sets Deadline to Update Density Bonus Bylaws |
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The Province has set June 30, 2026, as the deadline for local governments to update existing density bonus bylaws to align with legislative amendments introduced through Bill 16 (Tools for Inclusionary Zoning and Density Bonus; Tenant Protection Bylaws; Site-Level Infrastructure), passed in April 2024. Any amendments to existing density bonus bylaws made prior to this deadline must still comply with the new requirements.
This one-year delay from the original June 30, 2025 deadline is a direct result of CHBA BC’s advocacy for a longer transition period to ensure better alignment with upcoming Official Community Plan (OCP) updates. Municipalities are required to update their OCPs by December 31, 2025 to reflect 5- and 20-year housing needs.
Allowing density bonus bylaw updates to follow the OCP process ensures municipalities can first determine where and how much growth is expected before setting density bonus provisions. |
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Changes in BCFSA’s Pilot Program for Large Real Estate Developments |
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As of April 15, 2025, developers with qualifying projects of 100 or more units must apply for the REDMA Early Marketing Period Pilot Program either before or at the same time as filing their disclosure statement.
Developers who submitted a disclosure statement before April 15, 2025, have until June 30 to apply if they file an amendment and meet data sharing requirements. After that, a new disclosure statement will be required to participate in the Pilot.
The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) launched the Pilot in February 2025 to offer an extended 18-month early marketing period for large developments. Participating developers are required to share data on the development project with BCFSA to evaluate the impact of longer early marketing periods on consumer rights and development viability.
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Transition Period to New BC Hydro Distribution Extension Policy |
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BC Hydro's Distribution Extension Policy sets out how costs are allocated between customers for new or upgraded connections to their distribution system. The updated policy lowers the cost of connections for many customers and establishes a new extension fee refund process.
Transition Period: Customers with projects invoiced between April 22 and July 5 can choose to proceed under the current policy or wait for the new policy to apply. Customers that opt to delay should expect additional delays with their project schedule due to backlog in re-invoicing projects, payment processing, and starting work.
For more information, refer to these frequently asked questions, or contact your Key Account Manager. |
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CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Changes |
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The Province announced $50 million this year and $50 million next year to expand access to heat pumps for low- and moderate-income households, including renters and those who live in multi-unit residential buildings.
Confused about which CleanBC rebates still apply? Read the FAQ here. |
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Ontario is getting homes and infrastructure built faster and smarter through the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act. More details here.
The City of Delta is going to offer rebates to get certain types of housing built faster.
What Mark Carney’s election win means for Canadian housing. |
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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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