The Provincial Government has revealed the first 10 municipalities that will be expected to “up their game" when it comes to building new housing faster.
The first 10 municipalities identified are those with the greatest need and highest projected growth, determined by measures that prioritize the urgency of local housing needs. Land availability and housing affordability are critical components of the selection process.
Municipalities will be “encouraged” to update zoning bylaws and streamline local development processes. Part of updating and simplifying permit procurements will be a digital permitting process that is being developed across multiple ministries. Its completion will help support cities and municipalities to speed up all facets of the permitting process.
In a press release, the government said:
“The housing crisis is hurting people and holding back our economy, and we’re taking action with our partners to cut red tape and get homes built faster for people. Municipalities are our critical partners in addressing the housing crisis and building healthy, economically viable communities. Our government is eager to work with this first cohort of municipalities to get shovels in the ground faster and ensure the homes people need get built.”
The province will continue to monitor the 10 municipalities as it moves forward in processing permits and breaking down barriers in housing starts.
Here, alphabetically, is the Provincial Government’s first 10 municipalities to be identified:
Abbotsford, Delta, Kamloops , North Vancouver, Oak Bay, Port Moody, Saanich, Vancouver, Victoria , West Vancouver
It will, of course, an ongoing story.