Homebuilders Meet With MLAs To Seek Action On Recommendations To Expedite Building Permits And Processes

VANCOUVER – Why is building new housing so difficult in British Columbia? Part of the complexity lies in the approval process, at both the municipal and the provincial levels.

Residential construction is one of the most regulated sectors of our economy. While each step or change to the approval process may seem like a small impact, together they can quickly impact housing affordability for home ownership and purpose-built rentals alike.

The Squamish First Nation’s Senakw proposal adjacent to the Burrard Street Bridge with an estimated 6,000 units, of which 80-90 per cent would be rentals, highlights this point.

While not subject to any City of Vancouver policies, bylaws or regulations, (only negotiations for vehicular access and utilities connections will be required,) it is anticipated that construction could commence much earlier than would be the case with a ‘conventional’ project required to move through the standard city approval process choked by application and approvals processes.

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