Building & Industry News
Costs, Challenges, Opportunities for Housing Affordability
Recent housing reports reveal the costs, challenges and opportunities for supply and affordability in our region. The CD Howe Institute’s study Gimme Shelter: How High Municipal Housing Charges and Taxes Decrease Housing Supply shows how rezoning processes and fees...
‘Tis the Season for Giving
UPDATE: The Victoria Residential Builders Association placed 1st for fundraising in the "Spirit of Giving" category at the Festival of Trees for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. This is the 6th time VRBA members have led in fundraising to support children in...
Dear Santa…
Dear Santa, As the new VRBA President, I hope you will consider wishes for housing after delivering gifts to all the good girls and boys on your list. When flying over Saanich in your sleigh, please consider approving the backlog of development and building permits....
New Housing Up 30% in Esquimalt, Down 60% in Victoria
CMHC reports new housing in the City of Victoria has declined 60% from 639 to 252 units from Jan to Nov 2020 vs 2019. Whereas next-door neighbour Esquimalt is up 30% from 223 to 289. The migration of developers and builders out of Victoria continues due to high costs...
VRBA Crystal Ball Housing Forecast – Wed Jan 13
What's in store for housing in 2021? VRBA's Annual Crystal Ball Housing Forecast will be a webinar this year on Wed, Jan 13 from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm. There will be presentations on the economy, housing sales, prices, starts in BC and Greater Victoria by: David...
Premier’s Letter Says Streamline Development Permit Approvals
The Premier sent mandate letters to the Minister of Municipal Affairs & Attorney General now responsible for Housing outlining an intent to streamline development approvals. The Municipal Affairs letter says: “With support from the Attorney General and Minister...
2020 CARE Awards Celebrate Projects & People
On Saturday, Nov 28, VRBA announced the Gold winners for our first online 2020 Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards of Vancouver Island. The 29th Annual CARE Awards event showcased 37 categories hosted by CFAX’s Al Ferraby, and was...
CARE Awards Gold Winners Announced at First Virtual Event
The Victoria Residential Builders Association (VRBA) announced the Gold winners for the first online 2020 Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards of Vancouver Island, Saturday, Nov 28. The 29th Annual CARE Awards event showcased 37...
New House Prices Outpace Land Costs
Statistics Canada reports the price of new homes in Greater Victoria increased 5.3% from January to October 2020 while the price of land increased .3%. Nationally, residential construction costs increased 2.4% in the third quarter alone, the largest gain since the...
Unintended Consequences – Canadian Contractor Magazine
UPDATE: "The City of West Vancouver, District of North Vancouver & City of North Vancouver will all require Step 5 – which has the highest air tightness – as of July 1, 2021, the first municipalities in Canada to do so." Studies show very energy efficient homes...