The BC govt recently announced a regional transportation strategy/study for southern Vancouver Island. They will be looking at transit and roads, cycling, rail, marine, and even pedestrian traffic. This is long overdue for our region. Housing affordability often depends on density, which is largely dependent on efficient transportation. A good transportation strategy should identify future […]
According to CMHC, last year Greater Victoria posted the highest housing starts since 1976. Or should we say Langford…which contributed 40% of the 4,273 total and 60% of all new rentals. Starts increased in Langford while declining in Saanich and Victoria, both of which added more regulatory costs to building homes for the upcoming year. […]
CMHC recently announced year-to-date housing starts for Greater Victoria and we are again in record-setting territory. During the first 11 months of 2018, our region posted 3,498 new homes, numbers not seen since the 1970’s. Langford is setting the pace at 1,633 units or about 47% of all new homes, and of these 1,198 are […]
The latest CMHC report reveals that while 53% of new housing is rental 65% of that number is in 1 municipality–Langford. Langford posted 1,198 new rentals while Saanich is at 122 & Victoria posted only 162 year-to-date, both declines from last year. Excluding Langford, the entire CRD posted only 648 new rentals. The numbers clearly […]
The municipalities of Saanich, Oak Bay, Victoria, Central Saanich and North Saanich are adopting the ill-advised Step Code bylaw increasing the energy efficiency of new homes before the National Building Code undertakes its diligence and public review anticipated in Fall 2019. Langford, the most efficient municipality offering the largest number of energy efficient homes will […]
Are you ready for 2019? Hear from experts at VRBA’s Crystal Ball Housing Forecast, Tuesday, January 15 from 6 pm to 9:30 pm (includes dinner) at the Royal Colwood Golf Club. Speakers include: Kyle Kerr, Past President, Victoria Real Estate Board Cameron Muir, Chief Economist, BC Real Estate Association Braden Batch, Senior Analyst-Economics, Canada Mortgage […]
In good and tough economic times, there are always those in need. During the holiday season VRBA supports fundraisers to make a difference in our community. One such event is the Festival of Trees for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation helping children benefit from research and critical care equipment. Every year, organizations throughout Victoria, including […]
Thinking of building a new home or renovating? Try our online Expression of Interest making it easy to get quotes from VRBA’s professional contractors. Visit vrba.ca/hire-a-vrba-member and fill out the form which is forwarded to members. There is no cost or obligation. Our Expression of Interest puts your project in front of Canada’s leaders in sustainable West Coast design and construction. […]
VRBA recently inquired about significant changes to seismic reinforcement for Part 9 housing (single family, duplexes, etc) and discovered the changes were not included in the public review for the National Building Code, nor were they included in the recent public review for the BC Building Code. These changes come into effect December 10, 2018 […]
Considering a renovation? Before you start, visit http://www.vrba.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/asbestos_hazards_homeowners.pdf and read the online brochure on asbestos often found in older homes. This is important information to protect your family and workers. Our advice is to hire professional contractors, which is also the advice of BC’s Ministry of Environment. You will receive competitive quotes for your renovation […]
Wed, Nov 20 – Builders Council at noon at VRBA office. Please RSVP at admin@vrba.ca.
Thurs, Dec 5 – Christmas Reception – 4:30 – 7 pm at VRBA office. No RSVP required.
Tues, Dec 10 – Builders Council at noon at VRBA office. Please RSVP at admin@vrba.ca.
Wed, Jan 15 – Crystal Ball Economic Forecast Luncheon – 11:30 am – 2 pm, Gorge Vale Golf Club. Please RSVP at admin@vrba.ca.
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