Building & Industry News
A Rare Victory for Housing, Affordability & Sense
North Cowichan council has voted to set the current zero-carbon emissions level, which is at the highest level of EL-4, to match the BC Building Code level at EL-1 & follow the province's schedule for further changes to the zero-carbon step code. "concerns were...
Underfunded Trades Training Undermines Housing Supply
CMHC says up to 4.8 million new homes will be needed over the next decade to achieve affordability. This translates into 430,000 to 480,000 new homes annually. Currently, 245,000 starts per year are projected. CMHC reports the increased numbers are possible if Canada...
A Solution for Youth Employment and Trades Shortages
A recent Labour Force Survey revealed the unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 at 14.1% is more than double the 6.9% for Canada’s overall labour force. Meanwhile, skilled trades shortages continue to grow as baby boomers retire and demand for new housing...
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...