Building & Industry News
CRD Housing Starts Decline 12%, Single Family 31%
Despite provincially-mandated housing targets and rezonings, CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 1,379 housing starts from January to May 2025 are 12% lower than the 1,572 starts in 2024. The region’s 376 housing starts in May 2025 are 4% lower than the 391 starts in...
Oak Bay Housing Report Useful for All
A recent provincial report on Oak Bay’s development approval processes, land-use planning, and housing policies provides some very useful recommendations to improve housing supply and affordability. The report’s impact would be maximized if reviewed by municipalities...
2025 CARE Awards – Call for Entry
The Victoria Residential Builders Association (VRBA) announces the Call for Entry for the 2025 Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards of Vancouver Island. The CARE Awards is the premier industry event celebrating Canada’s leaders in...
Join VRBA On The Links
It’s that time of year! VRBA’s Annual Fun Golf Tournament at Olympic View Golf Club is Wednesday, May 28 and the housing industry is invited. Connect with VRBA builders, designers, trades and suppliers – Canada’s leaders in sustainable West Coast home design and...
Greater Victoria Housing Starts Decline 29% VS 2024
Despite provincially-mandated housing targets and rezonings, CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 1,003 housing starts from January to April 2025 are 29% lower than the 1,422 starts in 2024. The region's 391 housing starts in April 2025 are 23% lower than the 506 starts in...
Join VRBA During Annual Renewal
Now is the time to join the Victoria Residential Builders Association during our annual membership renewal. Our daily mission is to be effective, efficient and affordable for our members. We are the builders’ leading voice for housing affordability, consumer...
Housing Priorities for New Federal Govt
With a new federal government elected, there is a new opportunity to improve housing supply and affordability. The average price of a home in BC is $963,431. The Victoria Real Estate Board reports the benchmark price of a single family home is $1,181,200 in Greater...
Slow Building Permits Add Insurance Costs, Stress
We often write about the challenges of rezonings, fees, taxes and building approval processes adding to the costs of housing. However, we spoke with insurance industry experts, and they say another rising issue is the cost of insurance when people are faced with a...
CMHC Reports Housing Starts 33% Lower VS 2024
Despite provincially-mandated housing targets and rezonings, CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 366 housing starts in March 2025 are 20% lower than the 459 starts in March 2024. Overall, housing starts are down 33% year-to-date at 612 new homes in 2025 vs 916 in 2024....
Housing Issues for Federal Election Candidates
A federal election is underway and voting day is April 28, 2025. Housing is a priority for Canadians, and much work is required to boost supply to make homes more affordable. The average price of a home in BC is $964,536. The Victoria Real Estate Board reports the...