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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT |
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1 IN 5 UNITS: ADAPTABLE DWELLINGS; SEISMIC IN EFFECT
In an announcement today, the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs confirmed that the provisions of the BC Building Code (BCBC) 2024 for adaptable dwellings and seismic design will come into effect today, Monday, March 10, 2025.
Previously, the adaptable dwellings requirement was going to require 100% of units to be adaptable, which received major pushback from HAVAN, CHBA BC, and members, as added the regulatory burden would negatively impact the number of units per project, driving up costs and affecting affordability and project viability. The original implementation date of the regulation was delayed a year, which was a win, but with the worsening economic uncertainty in which we all find ourselves today, the Ministry announced a big win in regards to the implementation transition. Sharing an email we received from the Provincial Government: Today we are moving forward with adaptable dwelling unit requirements in large buildings, taking a phased, measured approach and starting by requiring one in five units to be adaptable rather than 100%. This is in response to the economic uncertainty of tariffs and high interest rates so we can continue to build more homes for people. By easing the transition, we can mitigate cost pressures, support home builders, and ensure that the delivery of safe, affordable housing continues without compromising accessibility or quality. In line with the latest scientific data, BCBC 2024 seismic provisions have been developed with the primary goal of preventing structural collapse during earthquakes. Province will publish a space and cost impact report and illustrative design guide that will provide some cost saving considerations for designers while still ensuring these necessary seismic safety requirements can be met. The Province will be exploring how mass timber can help provide cost-effective design solutions to meet the seismic requirements and will be focussing on specific solutions for the Capital Regional District. A technical newsletter was sent to code users on Friday and you can read the full announcement here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ The Minister’s tweet can be viewed here: https://x.com/KahlonRav/ In the technical newsletter, linked in the email message noted above, it specifies, “Projects where design work began before March 8, 2024, may continue to follow the 2018 BC Building Code, provided they apply for a building permit before March 8, 2027. Projects for which a building permit will be applied for on or after March 10, 2025, must comply with the BCBC 2024, including the seismic-design and adaptable-dwelling provisions. The updated provisions for adaptable dwellings include features that can be adjusted to meet occupants’ changing needs due to illness, injury or aging. In large residential buildings and ground-floor suites of smaller apartments, one in every five units is required to have accessible doorways and travel paths, manoeuvring space in bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, controls at accessible heights and reinforced bathroom walls for future installation of grab bars.” |
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MARK CARNEY TAKES THE LEADERSHIP SEAT
Registered Liberals clearly expressed their belief that Carney, the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is the best candidate to challenge Canada’s Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and U.S. President Donald Trump, and the person most capable of moving Canada forward in these uncertain economic and political times.
In his speech, the prime minister-elect said ‘big changes’ are needed to build a stronger economy, address the cost of living, and push back on Trump. In a nod to this industry, Mark Carney also included in his address, “And we will stop the hike in the capital gains tax because we think builders should be incentivized for taking risks and rewarded when they succeed. Canada needs more of this type of change. Change that puts more money in people’s pockets. Change that makes our companies more competitive.” As with any platform promise, things can change between the initial declaration at the podium and actual action, but as part of our three-tiered non-partisan organization, CHBA National has been working with all parties to advocate for the needs and support of the residential construction industry.
Some key decisions are still pending, such as the timing of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s official transition of power to Carney, the selection of Carney’s cabinet, and the anticipated federal election. Many are speculating whether Carney will call the election before Parliament resumes on March 26 or if it will be triggered by a non-confidence vote from the Opposition.
An interesting Angus Reid poll released on March 5 indicates that Canadians’ preferences for leadership are shifting. The Conservative Party, which had a commanding lead in the polls, has seen that lead shrink to just 3%. Mark Carney, with 43% support, is now the preferred choice to challenge Donald Trump.
Needless to say, once this election is called, it will be a tight race. |
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HAVAN AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS REVEALED
In a notice to members sent out on Friday, the Finalists of the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence, presented by FortisBC, were revealed on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Cosentino, Vancouver. Capturing the very best in new-home construction, renovation and design projects, the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence places a spotlight on the accomplishments of Metro Vancouver’s homebuilding industry. This year’s HAVAN Awards saw 181 builders, renovators, and designers submit 451 entries across 65 categories.
A full list of finalists and photos of the projects are available at HAVAN.ca |
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SAVE THE DATE: HAVAN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING APRIL 2
The online HAVAN Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 will be conducted from 12:00 – 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. HAVAN members in good standing are invited to attend this meeting. Make sure to register to attend. HAVAN continues to work with CHBA BC and CHBA to advocate for all levels of government to work together to address the challenges of the housing industry including zoning restrictions, density limits, and NIMBYism. Looking to stay up-to-date on Metro Vancouver’s residential housing industry? Sign up for Wendy’s weekly Monday Morning Briefing and other HAVAN emails here. QUICK BITES …
GREEN SHEETS ON THE GO! HAVAN member Green Sheet Construction Data tracks the Metro Vancouver construction market. Their online searchable database provides clients with a powerful tool to see past, current, and future construction projects across the Lower Mainland. Visit Green Sheet Hot Tips to view this month’s featured projects. |
