B.C. premier defends housing policies at town hall
Premier David Eby took part in a town hall Thursday, fielding questions about everything from crime, to disability rates and childcare. But the crowd also wanted answers on housing.
At Camosun College's Interurban campus, Eby faced an NDP-friendly crowd who had questions about a yet-to-be-detailed program that would allow each single family home in the province to be replaced by four units.
Wei Tu who said she'd lived in Victoria and Saanich for more than 30 years thanked the premier for his work in light of the 'hand grenades' he was handling – housing among them.
Tu wanted details about the four-unit plan, saying it lacked some specifics.
"The lot size could be 10,000 square feet, it could be 100,000 square feet. When you say four units per lot, it doesn't really address the issue," Tu said to the premier.
Her suggestion was that instead four units be allowed for every 10,000 square foot of space as a way of more effectively increasing supply.
Eby explained that the Housing Ministry was working with the Union of BC Municipalities to figure out how a plan to increase density can be executed.
"The detailed work is happening with the cities right now, to make sure we're addressing key questions, like infrastructure, and sewage and water that we need to deal with," Eby replied.
For some mayors the idea may be a tough sell. At a recent housing summit hosted by the UBCM there was a lot of heated debate.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie asked what would happen to services already understaffed like police, schools, and hospitals.
Any big change is likely also being looked at carefully by concerned citizens like Tu.
Tsur Somerville, a professor of real estate science at the University of British Columbia, pointed out that changing people's minds may take years. Part of the reason why, he explained, is because for many homeowners, the bulk of their wealth is tied up in their property.
"Part of it, particularly for owners, is 'I've got so much invested in this, and if this goes wrong, it's really going to hurt me'" he said.
While the speculation and foreign buyers' taxes deal with demand -- Somerville beleives supply and speed are crucial.
"If you think affordability is the problem, the main solution is more housing – more housing, more quickly delivered," added Somerville.
And alack of supply will only become a more pressing concern, with Eby noting that more people have moved to B.C. so far in 2023 than did in all of 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.