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As 2024 comes to a close, CHBA BC would like to wish its members, partners and other industry professionals a safe and happy holiday season. As we reflect on the past year for the industry, we would like to provide the readers of CHBA BC's Provincial Update a look at some of the most accessed articles from the year. Our regular publication will resume Thursday, Jan. 9.
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New Building Permit Hub Launched to Speed up Homebuilding
BC Government
From May 30: On Monday, CHBA BC Past President and CHBA CEO Neil Moody attended the announcement of the new Building Permit Hub. The Province is digitizing local permit processes to make it easier and faster for homeowners and builders to submit applications to local governments and First Nations. The Building Permit Hub is the next step in the Province's work to speed up homebuilding and reduce the costs of housing.
Cassidy spoke at the event to provide both the homebuilding industry's perspective on the new digital tools which are intended to help streamline and standardize local permitting processes.
The Building Permit Hub went live on May 27 as a pilot project for 12 local governments and two First Nations. CHBA BC is optimistic about the potential of the Building Permit Hub to standardize and digitize building permit applications and is looking forward to seeing it rolled out across the province.
You can read the full announcement here.
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April Is Construction and Skilled Trades Month
BC Government
For April 4: April 2024 is the 7th annual Construction and Skilled Trades month. CHBA BC, along with the BC government and other industry stakeholders are proud to recognize the contributions of the construction industry and skilled tradespeople to building homes and communities across the province.
With over 85,000 job openings expected over the next 10 years, the construction industry offers incredible opportunities to pursue a rewarding career in the homebuilding industry.
You can read the government proclamation of Construction and Skilled Trades month here.
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Deadline Looms for B.C. Municipalities to Allow Multiplexes on Single-Family Lots
Vancouver Sun
From June 27: As we approach the June 30th deadline for municipalities to implement the legislation to allow for more small-scale, multi-unit homes (Bill 44) and Transit Oriented Development Areas (Bill 47), many are updating their bylaws to accommodate the changes. While some municipalities seek extensions, West Vancouver has chosen to opt-out.
As outlined in the policy manual, the Province can override a municipality's zoning bylaw through a ministerial order.
In this article, the Vancouver Sun examines how the new legislation could impact lot values, which are expected to rise.
As the deadline passes, CHBA BC will continue to monitor the implementation of the legislation across the province.
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Standardized Designs for Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing Released
BC Government
From Sept. 5: Yesterday, the Ministry of Housing released a catalogue of free standardized designs for small-scale, multi-unit housing which are intended to speed up the building process and reduce the cost for this housing.
Most of the designs are based on "building blocks" that can be mixed and matched, to add features such as a garage or bedrooms, and stacked up to three storeys high. They include concepts for duplex, triplex, quadplex and townhouse designs. Also included are a variety of roof shapes and exterior finishes, so all the designs can blend in seamlessly with existing neighbourhoods, keeping with the intent of small-scale, multi-unit housing to add density. There are also designs for accessory dwelling units, such as laneway homes, and a fully adaptable cottage suitable for aging in place.
Each design complies with the 2024 B.C. Building Code and can be customized for different lot sizes and configurations for use throughout B.C., recognizing that minor amendments may be required to manage specific site conditions.
The full announcement is here and the catalogue of the standardized designs is available here.
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B.C. Tackled Housing Crisis on Multiple Fronts in 2023
Journal of Commerce
From Jan. 4: As Canada faced an ongoing housing shortage throughout the year, British Columbia moved cautiously forward on several fronts to reduce roadblocks to finding a home.
This article from the Journal of Commerce highlights some of the key events related to housing including the new Permitting Strategy for Housing, housing targets for municipalities under the Housing Supply Act and the introduction of a new standardized set of designs for small-scale, multi-unit homes.
The article features comments from CHBA BC CEO, Neil Moody and HAVAN CEO, Ron Rapp.
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CHBA BC's New Home Breaks Ground
CHBA BC
From April 11: CHBA BC is thrilled to announce it has secured a new home for its operations in the future! The association has purchased office space at Elmwood, a vibrant community hub in the transit-oriented development area of Burquitilam, set to be completed in 2027 by member, Marcon.
"This is a tremendous legacy that members across the province will value for generations. It represents a commitment to better serve our members throughout the province and the home building industry in the years ahead," said CHBA BC President Randy Chin.
The proximity to transit was a priority requirement as CHBA BC sought space that would meet the growing association's needs. "This purchase signifies a significant investment and milestone for CHBA BC," said CEO Neil Moody. "With a concerted emphasis on building more housing around transit-oriented developments, we are glad we can demonstrate our commitment as an association to this direction."
Read more about CHBA BC's future home here.
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A One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Prompt Payment Will Hurt Homebuilding in B.C.
Journal of Commerce
From May 16: While other segments of the construction industry in British Columbia advocate for prompt payment, the residential sector sees it differently: The concept of Prompt Payment would harm the homebuilding industry.
This week, CHBA BC CEO, Neil Moody, spoke with the Journal of Commerce to reiterate the association's position that prompt Payment would create additional regulatory hurdles to building when small firms are already bogged down with a bureaucratic permitting structure and significant delays.
"We have to understand that each sector of construction has different needs in terms of timelines and processes," Moody said. "It may work for the ICI sector and that's great. We absolutely want contractors to get paid, but we've heard from our members that it would add costs and they're already under an enormous regulatory burden."
The full article is available here.
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2024 Provincial Election Toolkit
CHBA BC Education
From Oct. 17: As British Columbians prepare to cast their votes in this Saturday's provincial election, housing affordability will be at the forefront of many voters' minds. CHBA BC has compiled an Election Toolkit to ensure our members, industry stakeholders and the public are informed on the most pressing issues related to homebuilding.
Inside, you'll find quick facts about homebuilding, key insights on the three major parties' platforms, and policy recommendations that could impact our industry and communities.
We've also included a series of our most recent backgrounders on key issues our association actively advocates for.
We encourage you to take a moment to explore the toolkit, familiarize yourself with the candidates in your electoral district, and prepare to make informed choices at the polls.
Let's ensure the collective voice of the homebuilding industry is heard by getting out to vote on Saturday, October 19.
2024 Provincial Election Toolkit
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Immigration Policy Changes Needed to Meet B.C.'s Construction Demand
BIV
From March 7: Recently, CHBA BC provided our industry's thoughts on how immigration could help alleviate some of the skilled trades shortage slowing the rate of homebuilding across the country.
As CEO, Neil Moody explained to BIV, it is estimated that there will be 4,500 unfilled jobs in the residential construction industry in B.C. in 2024. These labour shortages may cause a delay in projects and could increase building costs and housing prices.
You can read the full article here.
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2024 Canadian Construction Cost Guide Available
Altus Group
From Jan. 25: The newest version of Altus Group's Canadian Cost Guide shows that 2023 was earmarked by moderate cost escalation, rather than substantial cost reductions.
Last year, higher interest rates contributed to a downward trend in inflation, but any declines in construction costs were largely counterbalanced by increases in other areas.
For 2024, Altus Group says the demand for housing will rise in tandem with rapid population growth and high immigration will accelerate the demand for construction services.
Download a copy of the guide here.
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Weekly Update
Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia
400-6400 Roberts Street | Burnaby, B.C., V5G 4C9
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