1095 replies to this topic

[dasmo]

There was also a town here already too. They lived all along the George waterway. I imagine their Dasmo warning them about the Davonians arriving and all the villagers laughing him off back then. You can still visit the remains of their midden structures near the bridge I believe.

[Mike K.]

I don’t think their middens were structures, though.

[dasmo]

Are you believing history books again?

[Mike K.]

The province will be spearheading its new housing quota policies in Victoria, Saanich and Oak Bay.





NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
[release number]
May 31, 2023
Ministry of Housing
First communities selected for housing targets to deliver more homes faster

VICTORIA – As part of the actions government is taking to deliver homes for people faster, the first cohort of municipalities for housing targets have been selected, paving the way for building more good homes in areas with the greatest need across British Columbia.

“The housing crisis is hurting people and holding back our economy – and we’re taking action with our partners to cut red tape and get homes built faster for people. Municipalities are our critical partners in addressing the housing crisis and building healthy, economically viable communities,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “Our government is eager to work with this first cohort of municipalities to get shovels in the ground faster and ensure the homes people need get built.”

The Housing Supply Act gives the Province the authority to set housing targets in municipalities, starting with those with the greatest need and highest projected growth. The targets will encourage municipalities to address local barriers to construction so that housing can get built faster, including updating zoning bylaws and streamlining local development approval processes.

The selected municipalities are:
• City of Abbotsford
• City of Delta
• City of Kamloops
• District North Vancouver
• District of Oak Bay
• City of Port Moody
• District of Saanich
• City of Vancouver
• City of Victoria
• District of West Vancouver
While many communities across the province are facing significant housing needs, the Province selected these municipalities using an objective and data based process. An empirical index was developed based on work with economists and experts in the field to identify municipalities according to multiple dimensions of housing need. The index relies on measures that prioritize the urgency of local housing needs the availability of the right housing supply – including land availability and unrealized potential for more homes, and housing affordability.

Over the summer, the Province will consult with the selected municipalities and set the final housing targets. We encourage all communities across the province to take the actions needed now to speed up local processes – and many already have.

Once targets are set, the Province will monitor progress and work with municipalities to help address any barriers. To support implementation, the Province will continue to help local governments speed up local approval processes through the continued implementation of the Development Approvals Process Review, and the Province’s work accelerating and streamlining provincial permitting across multiple ministries and developing a new digital permitting process.

"The housing challenges we see today aren't just limited to one municipality, they impact our region and province as a whole. It's great to see the provincial government taking an increased leadership role in ensuring the delivery of more housing across the province," said Ken Sim, mayor, Vancouver. "In the last six months, Vancouver has made significant headway in breaking down longstanding barriers to housing approval and construction. We hope our progress can inspire other communities across British Columbia to take bold action on housing."

The act enables compliance options as a last resort, should municipalities struggle to create the conditions that are necessary to ensure housing gets built.

A second cohort of eight to ten municipalities will be selected and notified in late 2023.

The Housing Supply Act is part of the Province’s Homes for People action plan to deliver more homes in B.C., building on B.C.’s $19-billion housing investment and the introduction of effective tools to tackle speculation and increase the number of rentals.

Quotes:

Marianne Alto, mayor, Victoria –
“We welcome being part of a first wave of communities challenged to accelerate building homes for people. These targets reflect the city’s own commitment to housing current and future Victorians.”

Meghan Lahti, mayor, Port Moody –
“Port Moody welcomes the opportunity to provide the number of housing units necessary to keep pace with demand. We recognize that there are opportunities to diversify our housing stock with affordable and seniors housing, as well as accessible and family-friendly units. We look forward to working with the Province to set housing targets and help ensure the right kind of homes are being built here.”




Dean Murdoch, mayor, Saanich –
“This is a positive step toward creating more homes for more people to live in Saanich. We look forward to working with the Province to set targets and welcome their support to achieve our housing goals.”

Jill Atkey, CEO, BC Non-Profit Housing Association –
“The announcement today ensures that housing supply gets approved quickly in communities where we need it most. What’s more, it goes beyond supply by considering local incomes and setting targets for affordable housing and couldn’t come at a more critical time.”

Thomas Davidoff, director, UBC Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate –
“The Housing Supply Act recognizes that municipalities may make land use decisions based not just on maintaining local built character or amenity, but also-in the broader Provincial interest of allowing households to choose the location and type of housing that serves them best. In determining which municipalities would benefit from additional help in making land use decisions, I was pleased to see that the Province was receptive to feedback from professionals in the field of housing and implemented a screening mechanism that was based on objective and, I believe, reasonable standards.”

Neil Moody, CEO, Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC –
“The selection of this first round of communities is a welcome next step toward implementing the resources and guidance that have long been needed to reduce red tape and speed up approval processes to boost housing stock across B.C. Our members share a common goal with the Province and the selected municipalities to facilitate the development of these much-needed new homes once the targets are revealed later this summer.”

[dasmo]

More mandates.... 

[Victoria Watcher]

No quote from the Oak Bay mayor?

[Nparker]

Less-and-less need for local government, except as a way to grab more tax dollars from citizens.

[Mike K.]

It’s looking that way, isn’t it?

But Oak Bay did it to itself. For decades now they’ve been saying they have a housing strategy, but nothing changes.

Esquimalt on the other hand, has over 700 rentals under construction right now. Oak Bay has zero. That’s not a workable way forward in 2023, even though I appreciate and respect, even support, the notion of leaving neighbourhoods alone that don’t want to change. But times do change, and eventually everyone has to expect to have to play their part.

[Victoria Watcher]

But times do change, and eventually everyone has to expect to have to play their part.

 

Why Oak Bay though?

 

It already has 1,717 people per sq. km.

 

Saanich is 1,136.

Langford 1,124.

Metchosin 72.8.

North Cowichan 163.

North Saanich 301.

Colwood 1,073.

Highlands 58.5.

Sooke 229.

View Royal 724.

 

Instead of asking Oak Bay to increase density even more, why not just get Metchosin up to the same density, so to a population of about 120,000?

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 31 May 2023 - 11:16 AM.

[dasmo]

What if Oak Bay residents don't want more density? What's next after your neighbourhood? Your own home? There is a balance to be found here and they aren't promoting balance. They are promoting mandates. 

[Victoria Watcher]

What if Oak Bay residents don't want more density? What's next after your neighbourhood? Your own home? There is a balance to be found here and they aren't promoting balance. They are promoting mandates. 

 

What if Oak Bay property owners collectively don't want more density?  Will they be forced to sell to developers?

[Nparker]

What if Oak Bay property owners collectively don't want more density?  Will they be forced to sell to developers?

Probably forced to sell to the province. After all, it is the NDP's ultimate goal to own/control all housing in BC.

[dasmo]

Join your community associations now.... 

[Nparker]

I wouldn't join the NPNA if you put a gun to my head. They have long been part of the problem and not the solution.

[GaryOak]

I'm hoping is that the province will set a target of x number of homes built in y amount of time in a municipality, and if that target is not met, the developer can go to the province to get it approved.

[Victoria Watcher]

I'm hoping is that the province will set a target of x number of homes built in y amount of time in a municipality, and if that target is not met, the developer can go to the province to get it approved.

 

What if no developer steps forward with a proposal?  Or enough proposals.

[lanforod]

What if no developer steps forward with a proposal?  Or enough proposals.

 

This is what I'd expect in Oak Bay. Prices being what they are, land acquisition isn't very viable there right? Is there much vacant land at all? How is a quota of say, 1000 units by 2030 going to be done in Oak Bay?

[Victoria Watcher]

There is no vacant land, except parks and two huge golf courses. Some university conservation land. Nobody has more golf course square feet per capita than Oak Bay. Victoria has no golf courses. We should convert school fields to golf courses each summer. Or longer. Do schools even use their fields anymore? I’m sure Phys Ed has been deemed ableist.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 31 May 2023 - 12:09 PM.

[dasmo]

I wouldn't join the NPNA if you put a gun to my head. They have long been part of the problem and not the solution.

Start a different one. You are retired. 

[dasmo]

I'm hoping is that the province will set a target of x number of homes built in y amount of time in a municipality, and if that target is not met, the developer can go to the province to get it approved.

Why?