B.C. Government Documents Expose 47 Municipalities Placed on Housing ‘Naughty List’

In the recent week, the housing minister of British Columbia unveiled the initial ten municipalities obligated to fulfill forthcoming housing targets. However, a government order-in-council has disclosed the complete list of 47 municipalities that are expected to enhance their housing production in the near future.

Municipalities deemed to be on what has been referred to as “the naughty list” will be required to authorize a diverse range of housing options, such as townhomes, multi-family buildings, condos, and below-market housing.

Expressing skepticism, Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog questions the effectiveness of the housing targets in increasing housing supply and affordability. He acknowledges the importance of ensuring housing for people but doubts whether the mere establishment of targets can achieve that goal. Krog raises concerns about meeting the targets if the government is not actively involved in building housing and if the private sector’s pace slows down.

Furthermore, Krog expresses satisfaction that Nanaimo was not included in the “top 10 bad list,” as the city is already processing a substantial number of building permits and approvals. He believes that Nanaimo does not require a list or additional incentives, as significant progress is already being made in housing development.

Krog stated, “Using a stick isn’t necessarily the most effective approach. A carrot would be more beneficial.”

During the initial announcement of the housing targets through the Housing Supply Act, Premier David Eby assured that communities that meet the housing requirements would receive incentives in the form of financial rewards. These funds could be utilized for amenities like bike lanes, recreation centers, and infrastructure to support the needs of expanding populations.

Earlier this week, Mayor Mike Little of the District of North Vancouver and Mayor Mark Sager of West Vancouver expressed their desire to receive financial support from the federal and provincial governments for essential infrastructure improvements. They specifically mentioned the need for better highways and bridges to alleviate congestion as their communities continue to grow.

In response, Housing Minister Kahlon stated on Thursday that communities successfully meeting the housing targets will have priority access to federal funding through the $4-billion housing accelerator fund. Additionally, he highlighted that all municipalities in British Columbia received unrestricted funding earlier this year through the $1-billion growing communities fund.

However, Squires clarifies that smaller municipalities cannot evade their responsibilities. She mentions that even these smaller municipalities possess available land and have the potential to construct housing; they simply tend to progress at a slower pace. In contrast, larger municipalities like Vancouver face limitations in terms of available land and are exploring options to increase density through infill sites.

The housing targets established under the Housing Supply Act are just one of the several legislative measures utilized by Eby to override opposition from municipalities and neighborhood groups regarding density and facilitate the construction of new housing.

In April, Eby and Kahlon announced the province’s plans to revamp municipal zoning regulations, enabling the development of additional “missing-middle” housing, such as townhomes and multiplex homes on single-family lots. Furthermore, starting this autumn, the province will introduce a flipping tax and legalize all secondary suites as part of their initiatives.