Category: Uncategorized

  • Changes promise to cut B.C. development negotiations, provide certainty

    Changes promise to cut B.C. development negotiations, provide certainty

    New legislation in B.C. aims to expedite housing construction by eliminating lengthy re-zoning negotiations between developers and municipalities. The law also reforms development cost charges, giving municipalities more flexibility in funding infrastructure. It introduces amenity cost charges, a tool that allows municipalities to specify developers' contributions upfront, reducing delays and increasing transparency. However, the legislation…

  • Waiving Taxes and Fees for Affordable Housing in BC

    Waiving Taxes and Fees for Affordable Housing in BC

    BC has 65K affordable housing units, down from a potential 600K due to provincial government de-investment over the past 4 decades. Building affordable housing is cost-intensive, and municipalities can help by: 1. Having a single local government staff point of contact

  • Bank of Canada: Plan for long-term high rates

    Bank of Canada: Plan for long-term high rates

    But the majority of Americans say they tip 15 per cent or less for a typical meal at a sit-down restaurant, according to a wide-ranging new poll on tipping attitudes from Pew Research Center. As the grocery code of conduct nears completion, the Canadian industry's biggest player is raising concerns the guidelines could add fuel…

  • Rental Protection Fund Eyeing 25 Properties For Acquisition

    Rental Protection Fund Eyeing 25 Properties For Acquisition

    The Rental Protection Fund aims to acquire 25 properties by November 2023 to safeguard renters from eviction and provide housing for those in need. Continue to full article

  • B.C.’S Housing Targets: A 5-Yr Plan

    B.C.’S Housing Targets: A 5-Yr Plan

    10 BC municipalities must build over 60K new housing units in the next 5-yr. Vancouver has the highest target of 28,900 new units, followed by Abbotsford and the City of Victoria. The government will assess community progress after 6-mo in addressing the housing crisis impact.

  • Best Mortgage Rates In B.C. For November 2023

    Best Mortgage Rates In B.C. For November 2023

    Nesto, Dominion Lending Centres, The Mortgage Centre, and Island Savings offer competitive mortgage refinancing rates. These rates are lower than the national average and standard bank rates. Island Savings mortgages are backed by a reliable credit union. The services also provide competitive closing timelines, although specific rates and timelines are not disclosed. Continue to full…

  • Metro Vancouver development fee hikes set up potential federal showdown over housing cash

    Metro Vancouver development fee hikes set up potential federal showdown over housing cash

    In October 2023, Metro Vancouver's board of directors approved an increase in development cost charges (DCCs) on construction to fund infrastructure upgrades. This plan was opposed by the federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser, who called for a year's delay and changes to DCC waivers. He threatened to pull Housing Accelerator Funds from municipalities taking steps…

  • Northern B.C. Detached-House Prices Drop to $408K

    Northern B.C. Detached-House Prices Drop to $408K

    The avg detached-house price in Northern B.C. is now $408K. Lower Mainland of B.C.'s avg detached-house price is $1,797,800, ↑ 5.5% yearly. Fort Nelson homes are available for an avg of $155,262, ↓ $50K drop in two years.

  • B.C. Gulf Islands exploring new short-term rental legislation implications

    B.C. Gulf Islands exploring new short-term rental legislation implications

    Gabriola's local governments are assessing the implications of the new provincial short-term rental legislative changes. The Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, which received royal assent recently, includes regulations such as only allowing short-term rentals in principal residences. The Act also empowers regional districts to issue business licenses for short-term rentals and increases the maximum fine for…

  • Metro Vancouver Votes for Aggressive Increases in Development Cost Charges

    Metro Vancouver Votes for Aggressive Increases in Development Cost Charges

    In November 2023, Metro Vancouver voted to triple the fees they charge developers to undertake construction, resulting in a 73% increase in townhouse rates to $9,839 per unit by 2026, and a 64% increase in detached home rates to $10,952 per unit. This has caused a call for a more consistent strategy for DCC increases,…