Budget 2023: Province looking to ‘incentivize’ secondary suites
Those looking for a place to live may soon have a lot more selection with Budget 2023 promising a new pilot project to get more secondary suites in the province.
The NDP government is looking to make secondary suites legal across the province, a promise made by David Eby during his bid to become leader. At an unrelated press conference, Eby spoke about possible legislation coming.
"We’re also looking at specific rules that prevent housing from coming available. One of those rules is if you can believe it, there is still places where it is illegal to open a secondary suite," said Eby hinting at a change.
Budget 2023 also outlines a new pilot project to help homeowners create secondary suites. Few details are available, but budget documents point to $91 million over three years to provide "financing incentives." The document said thousands of more housing opportunities are expected.
Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, said secondary suites would include garden suites.
"We’ve heard from a lot of homeowners to say that they would love to get a rental suite available but sometimes need support to be able to get one online and so we’re looking for all means to get more housing," Kahlon added.
For Kevin Falcon, the idea raises concerns. The liberal leader says there may be unintended consequences to having tax dollars from renters fund the program and eventually increase home prices.
"You’re actually gonna help those homeowners become wealthier," Falcon told reporters at the legislature Thursday.
Along with a four billion dollar investment over three years — the province is promising a new housing strategy. The Liberals say the previous one didn't live up to the hype.
To build more houses, more construction workers are needed — and with a lack of supply already — it's unclear where any newcomers will live.
Falcon expressing frustration, said, "We have the highest house prices in North America, the highest rents in Canada after six years of an NDP government."
The premier didn't address concerns about long-term impacts, but said the goal was to address the ongoing crisis and take steps that would have an immediate impact.
"We can’t leave any housing empty right now," Eby added.
Building new homes can take years — meaning the secondary suites may be a band-aid for a crisis that requires a lot more places for people to live.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.