Building & Industry News
Greater Victoria Housing Starts Increase 16% in 2025
CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 4,859 housing starts in 2025 are 16% higher than the 4,185 starts in 2024. The vast majority are condos/apts at 3,951 up from 3,411 last year. These are mostly projects that were in the hopper a year, two-or-more ago. They benefit from...
Hire a Contractor Using VRBA Expression of Interest
On July 1, 2024 many municipalities were required to update their bylaws to accommodate the provincial legislation enabling moderate housing density (townhomes, duplexes, fourplexes, etc) in single family zones. In municipalities of more than 5,000 people, this...
Housing Starts Up 20% Year to Date, Nov Down 14%
CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 4,396 housing starts from January to November 2025 are 20% higher than the 3,668 starts in 2024. The vast majority are condos/apts at 3,570 up from 2,947 last year. These are mostly projects that were in the hopper a year, two-or-more...
Prepare for 2026 at Crystal Ball Housing Forecast
Are you ready for 2026? Hear from industry experts at VRBA’s Annual Crystal Ball Housing Forecast on Wednesday, January 14 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at Gorge Vale Golf Club, 1005 Craigflower Road. Speakers include: Fergus Kyne, Chair, Victoria Real Estate Board Brendon...
‘Tis the Season for Giving
In good and tough economic times, there are always those in need. Many charitable organizations will be seeking donations to assist the disadvantaged in our community. One such fundraiser is the Festival of Trees, for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, helping...
CRD’s Elephant in the Room
This article appeared in the Business Examiner. Recently, VRBA participated in a consultation by the Capital Regional District on housing affordability. The CRD asked: What are the greatest challenges or barriers to improving housing affordability across the region?...
VRBA – Community Builders, Building Our Community
Message from Brian Trenchard, VRBA President 2025-26 As 2025/26 President, it is a pleasure to be part of an outstanding VRBA team, building our community. I want to thank Russ Barry, Past President for his leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with Russ...
CMHC Housing Starts Reveal Bill 44 Working
CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 4,129 housing starts from January to October 2025 are 23% higher than the 3,359 starts in 2024. The vast majority are condos/apts at 3,377 up from 2,766 last year. These are mostly projects that were in the hopper a year, two-or-more...
Thank You Times Colonist Readers
Message from Russ Barry, VRBA President: In my final column as VRBA President, I want to thank everyone for your support and positive feedback. Throughout the year, we advocated for improvements to address housing affordability and consumer protection. These include:...
Study Offers CRD Opportunity to Revisit DCCs
The Victoria Residential Builders Association partnered with other industry associations including the Urban Development Institute and West Shore Developers Association to commission a review of the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) $2 billion Water Supply Plan. The...