Home Business & Economy Housing All BC housing legislation getting passed before year-end break

All BC housing legislation getting passed before year-end break

Big changes for housing development coming in 2024

Island Social Trends

November 29, 2023

ravi kahlon, housing — Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon debating Bill 46 in the legislative assembly on Nov 29, 2023. [Hansard]

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Wednesday November 29, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC

by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends

Around 3:45 pm this afternoon, did you feel the earth move? [Also see: Housing Changes coming in 2024]

British Columbia just became the first province in Canada to pass small scale multi-unit legislation – allowing three or four units on single family lots, as joyfully posted in social media by Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon.

Kahlon points out that this new legislation (Bill 44) will enable more housing opportunities and the best use of our existing infrastructure.

New legislation will also legalize secondary suites or laneway homes in existing single family homes and lots.

Earlier this afternoon, Kahlon — as NDP House Leader — said all debate would end at designated times, and that housing legislation would then be voted on.

This is enabled by the NDP government having a majority, being able to count on the votes of their MLAs in the Legislative Assembly.

Debating Bill 46:

Kahlon said in committee debate of Bill 46 this afternoon said the Urban Development Institute says up-front amenity cost charges (ACCs) will make that process more transparent. “We’re making investments with local governments, we know it’s important to do,” said Kahlon in today’s late afternoon session.

“Negotiation is challenging” for local governments whether private or non profit housing development, said Kahlon. “There is now a tool with more certainty involved,” the housing minister said.

mike bernier, bc united — BC United MLA Mike Bernier discussing Bill 46 in the legislative assembly Nov 29, 2023. [Hansard]

Mike Bernier of the BC United Party said during debate that a lot of municipalities are supporting the legislation ‘begrudgingly’ during a housing crisis. He points out that the end users (who will bear the final costs of housing) are the ones that are struggling with affordability.

The way local governments pay for infrastructure is through local taxation, said Bernier.

“Why the resistance (from the opposition) for the tool to be created so that local governments have the resources that they need, with transparency,” said Kahlon today.

peter milobar, bc united — BC United MLA and Finance Critic Peter Milobar discussing Bill 46 in the legislative assembly Nov 29, 2023. [Hansard]

UBCM wants help with affordable housing:

Kahlon said that at the latest UBCM convention (in September 2023) that municipalities have asked for the provincial government to underwrite the costs of affordable housing including land purchase and components of infrastructure. “That’s a tall ask,” said Kahlon this afternoon in the house.

Infrastructure includes fire halls and police stations, as well as basics like sewers and roads, and community facilities.

Housing ministry:

“Why isn’t the minister of municipal affairs stewarding this bill?,” said BC Green House Leader Adam Olsen this afternoon in debate.

adam olsen, bc green, housing — BC Green House Leader Adam Olsen discussing Bill 46 in the legislative assembly Nov 29, 2023. [Hansard]

“We’ve been working very closely with that ministry,” said Kahlon.

Kahlon points out that previous to the NDP government (more specifically now under Premier David Eby) there was no standalone Housing ministry. It now gets specific focus and ministry resource support.

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Fall session wrapping up:

The fall session ends tomorrow. MLAs are working late nights this week to cover as much ground with legislation as possible.

Dates for the next session in 2024 have not been announced yet, but it will possibly be the last one ahead of the next provincial election which is scheduled for October 19, 2024.

Link to BC Parliamentary Calendar.