B.C. premier's action on housing applauded by some, called 'modest' by others
Premier David Eby's government introduced two pieces of legislation to boost housing supply Monday. While he claims the plan is bold, some say it's modest and may come with unintended consequences that could make some homes even more expensive.
On his first day in the B.C. legislature as premier, Eby's housing minister tabled the two bills.
"We just can't have a situation where we're leaving housing on the table when people are looking for a place to rent," Eby told reporters.
Bill 44, introduced Monday and expected to be passed this week, comes into effect immediately. It means, stratas must allow owners to rent their units and welcome kids under 18. No bans will be allowed, although, buildings restricted to those 55 plus will be able to keep the age requirements in place.
The government estimates a modest 3,000 units may be freed up, out of about 300,000 units currently covered by such rules.
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES?
Yet, Tony Gioventu, the executive director of the Condo Home Owners Association said rental restrictions may be the only thing keeping investors out of the bidding for some units.
"It will certainly open the gates on accessibility for investors and speculators across the province," he told CTV News.
And if those restrictions are gone, prices could go up.
Gioventu says that's not the only issue with touting this change as a move to increase affordability.
"By the time you pay your strata fees, your taxes, your insurance, your extra special costs for special levies and maintenance and repairs and all the rest – you can't be renting your unit out in an affordable window," Gioventu added.
That means the units being added may not offer much relief at all for renters looking for affordable housing in some of the country's priciest markets.
MUNICIPALITIES MUST MEET TARGETS
Bill 43, the Housing Supply Act, also introduced Monday, aims to encourage municipalities to increase supply.
About eight to 10 municipalities will be identified as high need. In 2023, they'll have to develop action plans to meet targets set by the province. If they don't meet the goals, the province can take enforcement action.
Peter Waldkirch, with Abundant Housing Vancouver, said he's encouraged the province is talking about supply at the municipal level.
"Municipalities have failed. Their track record on housing is atrocious. They have demonstrably led us to a housing crisis," he added.
He said Vancouver and other cities in B.C. are dealing with a shortage of supply because they've failed to build. The enforcement actions the province could take aren't specified but government officials say it may mean changing zoning, approving specific projects or providing funding to help with infrastructure.
"Ultimately, I think the province will have to step in and sort of set minimum standards for land use, for zoning and so on to sort of lead to real reform. But iIthink this is at least a good first step," Waldkirch told CTV News.
He and others also pointing for years the provincial and federal governments also neglected this issue.
REACTION MIXED
The BC Liberals argued that the strategy creates more bureaucracy when what's needed now are homes. Leader Kevin Falcon pointed out Eby was housing minister for more than two years before becoming premier, and these actions could've been taken sooner.
"Instead of a canon we got a pop gun and frankly, I think young British Columbians and first-time buyers who were hoping to get into the housing market won't have a lot to hold on to, " Falcon added.
The BC Greens voiced their own concerns.
"There is no protection against Real Estate Investment Trusts, who could now redevelop rental strata housing to increase shareholder profits," leader Sonia Furstenau said in a statement. "
The BC Real Estate Association applauded the policy changes, saying the legislation would improve housing supply.
The Grater Vancouver Board of Trade also praising the actions, writing, 'We must continue working together to address remaining barriers to building more housing, including a lack of available workers, the rising cost of materials, and slow permitting and approvals processes.'
NEXT STEPS
Eby says he's committed to all the proposals in the housing plan he campaigned on to become NDP leader and premier. That includes a flipping tax, and rezoning each single family home to three units. Eby has also re-committed to a $400 renters' rebate first promised by the NDP 5 years ago. No timelines were given.
Bill 43 and 44 are expected to be passed this week, as the legislative session has extended debate to 9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and 10 p.m. on Wednesday to allow opposition parties to provide input. Strata changes will come into effect immediately, while the supply act will come into force in 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.