Building & Industry News
Vancouver Returns Unfairly Charged Tax to Developers
There are interesting new housing policies emerging in Vancouver since last year’s municipal election. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim promised to improve housing and appears to be proceeding on that path. This is a promise made by many council candidates at election time,...
CRD Year-To-Date Housing Starts Still Up, But Decline in April
CMHC reports housing starts in Greater Victoria are still up 2.5% year-to-date Jan to April 2023 at 1,179 units vs 1,150 units in 2022. However, April 2023 starts were only 91, while April 2022 posted 330 and March 2023 was 325. Housing starts suffered a big drop of...
Reno Rebate/Tax Credit Needed for Seismic Safety, Asbestos
There have been a number of earthquakes recently with a magnitude of over 4 occurring on BC’s coast. There are hundreds of tremors and smaller earthquakes annually in our region that usually go unnoticed. This seismic activity is a constant reminder that we live in a...
Enable RNG in Zero Carbon Step Code
On May 1, the Ministry of Housing is enabling municipalities to adopt a Zero Carbon Step Code, reducing carbon (GHG’s) from new homes. The levels are: Moderate: Fossil fuel water heating and cooking allowed. Space heating must be zero carbon. Strong: Fossil fuel...
CMHC Reports Housing Starts Up in Greater Victoria
CMHC reports housing starts in Greater Victoria are up 32.6% year-to-date Jan to March 2023 at 1,088 units vs 2022 at 820 units. March 2023 starts were 325 while only 121 last year. It is still too early to determine a trend, except that housing starts are still...
Digitize Binding Interpretations in BC Building Code
BC’s Ministry of Housing recently announced plans to digitize the building permit process and code, which is currently only available in print or PDF format. The Ministry says a digitized code will make it faster and easier for builders and building inspectors to...
Housing Minister Delivers New Plan
Members of the Victoria Residential Builders Association met with Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing last week to exchange views and discuss opportunities to boost supply and affordability. Members’ concerns included a lack of missing middle housing (townhomes,...
Hire a Contractor Using VRBA Expression of Interest
Thinking of building a new home or renovating? How will you determine a builder’s track record, availability and prices? Try our online Expression of Interest making it easy to get quotes from VRBA’s professional contractors....
Greater Victoria Housing Starts Up and Down
CMHC reports housing starts in Greater Victoria are still up 9% year-to-date in Jan/Feb 2023 at 763 units vs Jan/Feb 2022 at 699 units. However, it is important to monitor the decline in February 2023 at 300 vs February 2022 at 413. February 2023 (300) also declined...
2023 CARE Awards – Call for Entry
The Victoria Residential Builders Association (VRBA) announces the Call for Entry for the 2023 Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards of Vancouver Island. The CARE Awards is the premier industry event celebrating Canada’s leaders in...