by VRBA | Jul 16, 2025 | Blog, Housing data, news
Municipal elections take place in 2026 and our small region of 440,000 will be electing 13 mayors and an army of councilors, overseeing 13 official community plans. This seems to defy logic if our region’s goal is good planning, consistent regulatory standards, and a... read more
by VRBA | Jul 3, 2025 | Blog, Housing data, news
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.... read more
by VRBA | Jun 24, 2025 | Blog, Education & Training, Housing data, news
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... read more
by VRBA | Jun 17, 2025 | Blog, Housing data, news
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... read more
by VRBA | Jun 16, 2025 | Blog, Building Code, Housing data, news
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... read more
by VRBA | Jun 11, 2025 | Blog, Housing data, news
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... read more
