‘Cut red tape’: B.C. working to build more homes faster in select communities

The Housing Supply Act gives the Province of B.C. the ability to set housing targets in municipalities, which will help them 'address local barriers to construction.'

The B.C. government is taking further steps to address the shortage of affordable housing across the province.

B.C. Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon announced on Wednesday that a number of municipalities have been given “housing targets.”

Those chosen have the most significant housing needs and the highest projected population growth.

“The housing crisis is hurting people and holding back our economy – and we’re taking action with our partners to cut red tape and get homes built faster for people,” said Kahlon.

“Municipalities are our critical partners in addressing the housing crisis and building healthy, economically viable communities.

“Our government is eager to work with this first cohort of municipalities to get shovels in the ground faster and ensure the homes people need to get built.”

The Housing Supply Act gives the province the ability to set housing targets in municipalities, which will help “encourage” them to “address local barriers to construction” so that housing can be built faster, the province said.

This includes updating zoning bylaws and streamlining development approval processes.