Building & Industry News

CMHC reports large multis were up 9.8% year-to-date from 2,659 to 2,922 units in Greater Victoria. Total housing starts from January to October 2022  were 3,918 - up 2.4% from last year's 3,825. New single detached homes are down from 730 to 598 and "missing middle"...

Message From Ellie Sercombe, 2022/23 VRBA President As 2022/23 President, it is a pleasure to be part of an outstanding VRBA team, building our community. I want to thank Norm Verbrugge, Past President for his leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with Norm...

In May 2022, we wrote to BC’s Ministry of Housing asking them to assist with establishing more sites for depositing clean fill (not construction waste) from new housing excavations. Rising excavation costs are adding thousands of dollars to the price of new homes....

In my final week as VRBA President, I want to thank everyone for reading this column and all of the positive feedback. Throughout the year, we advocated for improvements to address housing affordability and consumer protection. These include: a renovation rebate or...

The Ontario government has introduced the "More Homes Built Faster Act" recognizing housing supply is critical to improving affordability. Some of the changes include: Up to 3 residential units permitted “as of right” on land zoned for 1 home without needing a...

One of the great assets of an association is the interaction and discussion with members from every part of the housing industry. VRBA members are very engaged in the latest housing developments from policy to design to construction. For example, Keith Baker, KB...

Now that municipal elections have been completed, councils should make education about the housing industry a priority. Surveys show housing was a main focus for voters across the province. Decisions on new developments should be by informed councilors understanding...

The latest CMHC data reveal housing starts are down 25% from August 2022 to September 2022 and down 35% from September last year. Year-to-date housing starts (3,313) are down only 5% vs last year (3,488) however rising interest rates and the stress test will likely...