Municipal candidates can stand out in the spotlight of the upcoming municipal elections by making pledges that will help build a healthier, stronger and more affordable housing sector.
“From declining investment and the high cost of housing to regulations that hinder productivity, municipal candidates have an opportunity this election campaign to commit to tackling some of our region’s most pressing housing challenges,” said Craig Munn, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Greater Vancouver REALTORS®.
Strengthening collaboration
Candidates can support the creation of a Provincial Housing Policy Roundtable. Comprised of representatives from municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and housing providers, this roundtable could quickly identify and address barriers related to housing supply, affordability, infrastructure, and development approvals.
Candidates should also prioritize closer cooperation on long-term regional planning to further strengthen collaboration. Regularly sharing data, resources, and perspectives can help municipalities keep pace with infrastructure and population growth, make neighbourhoods more resilient to climate change, and ensure residents can live, work, and play where they call home.
Building housing in short supply
Another strong commitment is to work with industry partners to build more modular housing. Factory-built construction could speed up homebuilding, addressing housing shortages, cutting construction waste by up to 80 per cent, and improving affordability by reducing construction costs by up to 20 per cent.
Like modular housing, missing-middle housing is badly needed. This type of housing—which includes duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes—can improve affordability and help families achieve homeownership in the province’s most expensive cities.
Candidates can pledge to update zoning bylaws to allow for these types of housing to be built on single-family lots.
Improving the investment environment
To bring investors back to the table, candidates can pledge to work within their municipalities to reduce development fees, synchronize zoning regulations, and simplify approval procedures. They could also call on the BC government to repeal the Speculation and Vacancy Tax in Vancouver.
Learn more
Many real estate professionals are running in municipal elections across the province. Learn more about them and their pledges to address local housing issues on BCREA’s local election candidates page.