Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson’s promise to roll back provincial housing targets has some municipal leaders feeling hopeful, after previous goals proved challenging for some.
The NDP set quotas for cities, towns and villages across B.C. to create new housing units over a five-year period in 2023. In an effort to address housing supply and affordability challenges across the province, B.C. also made it easier to build multi-unit homes by forcing municipalities to alter zoning rules.
Doerkson said he intends to take a different approach to housing, and did not rule out other changes to policies brought in by the NDP, such as restrictions prohibiting short-term rentals in secondary residences.
“Victoria does not know the best way to build a home or a housing project in places like Terrace or Williams Lake,” he said.
“So I really am committed to having better conversations with municipalities, I don’t like that heavy-handed approach.”
Oak Bay was among a small group of municipalities for which B.C. appointed a housing advisor, after it failed to meet its target.
Mayor Kevin Murdoch says he hopes Doerkson’s promise will mean flexibility for municipalities.
WATCH | Lorne Doerkson’s top priorities as incoming B.C. premier:
Lorne Doerkson shares his top priorities as incoming B.C. premier
“I think some of the stresses that have come about have been sort of imposing a one-size-fits-all model onto the entire province,” he said.
“I think it should, I hope, lead to a more productive relationship with the province.”
Murdoch and other municipal officials who spoke with the CBC News said they hope funding for the Community Housing Fund that was cut earlier this year is restored, to support more affordable housing projects.
North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little said he felt the previous government didn’t listen to concerns raised by municipal leaders when it came to challenges with rapid density, such as gaps in infrastructure — something he hopes will change.
However, not all municipalities objected to the province’s housing quotas.
Esquimalt exceeded its five-year targets, with more projects still underway, according to Mayor Duncan Cavens.
Single family homes in Saanich, B.C. (Photo provided.)
Even if the targets change, it won’t impact his municipality’s focus, Cavens said, apart from removing the provincial pressure under which Esquimalt and other municipalities quickly changed their zoning bylaws.
“It doesn’t really change very much for us at all,” he said.
Other local leaders are waiting for clarity on what Doerkson’s changes will look like, and what impact that could have on efforts already underway.
Sidney Mayor Peter Wainwright said the changes to zoning rules created issues for some environmentally sensitive waterfront areas of the town, but overall he hasn’t had issues with the housing targets.
“Personally, I would like to see some changes to the legislative regime that was put forward by [former premier David] Eby, I’m not necessarily wanting to see the entire thing rolled back,” he said.
“We put quite a bit of effort into implementing aspects of that, and there will be a lot of effort if we undo it all.”