Storeys
A couple of changes to rules around housing construction, along with recent speeches by Premier David Eby and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon hinting at more changes to come, have triggered hopes that this term’s NDP government is showing signs of some increased flexibility around development.
While many developers, mayors, and planners contacted by STOREYS said the measures put in place so far – or those hinted at being put in place – are positive signs, they also said they are nowhere near enough to overcome the big problems they see currently with building new housing or planning for significant new density in their cities. …
In another part of the housing sector, mayors and planners said that, while they’d welcome more flexibility from the province in its demands to create huge amounts of new housing, they have had no word that there is any change so far. And they’re frustrated by that.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said it’s still “the most invasive planning by the province in history” and called the province’s apparent desire for “anything anywhere” as inappropriate.
His city has been successful in getting delays on a couple of areas slated for new density as it argues that the infrastructure for Steveston is not adequate for a lot of new housing, while Burkeville, a small community near the airport, is technically 800 metres from the Aberdeen Canada Line station, it’s an unwalkable trip for residents because the Fraser River lies between the two points. …