Issue 31 February 2019

News from the Legislature

Throne Speech – February 12, 2019

The speech (click to read) indicated that the government is “addressing the recommendations of the Rental Housing Task Force….will improve the development process by speeding up much-needed rental housing and delivering more efficient and effective project approvals.” It also indicated that “CleanBC will improve where we live and work, through building retrofits and new net-zero energy standards for new buildings.”

BC Budget – February 19, 2019

After last year’s 30-point housing plan, there are no major changes for the housing file and in particular no new demand-side measures. However, additional funding ($41 million) was announced for voluntary energy retrofits as part of the CleanBC larger plan. Read CHBA BC’s budget news release here. For a backgrounder on all changes related to housing in the budget, click here.

Codes and Technical Research

Opportunity to Provide Input on Energy in the Code

CHBA’s National Technical Research Committee (TRC) is tracking the development of proposed changes to energy efficiency requirements in the National Building Code to ensure that the cost to consumers is fully assessed. Review our preliminary summary of what needs to be done, and send us your feedback. To stay informed on this topic, opt in to CHBA’s Housing Tech Newsletter.

National Issues

Day on the Hill

CHBA National held its 6th Annual Day on the Hill event in Ottawa from February 25-27. CHBA BC staff and members in attendance met with MPs of all parties during the day on February 26, followed by an evening reception that night.

This year, CHBA focused the asks of government on mortgage rules and the stress test to help first-time home buyers achieve homeownership. To view the document provided to MPs of all parties, click here. To see some of the highlights, visit this Twitter thread.

Provincial Consultations

Development Approvals Review Working Group

CHBA BC is a member of the working group through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The second of three working group meetings was held on February 14. The final report is expected in June. Member input can be emailed to CHBA BC

Asbestos

CHBA BC participated in the Keeping Workers, the Public and the Environment Safe from Asbestos consultation in February. This consultation reviewed the costs, impacts, and benefits of a new licensing system, homeowner incentives for proper disposal and additional disposal sites in the province. Click here to read CHBA BC’s response.

Speculation and Vacancy Tax Act

CHBA BC identified common FAQs related to the development exemption and submitted them to the Ministry of Finance. Click to read the FAQs. Any specific questions must be directed to the Ministry of Finance for clarification.

Money Laundering

On February 7, CHBA BC met with Dr. Peter German, who is researching money laundering on behalf of the provincial government, to discuss solutions and recommendations. Read the submission from January here.

Pre-Sale Registry

The British Columbia government has launched the Condo and Strata Assignment Integrity Register (CSAIR). Developers are required to collect and report assignment information through the register and file the report quarterly. The first quarterly assignment report, for Jan. 1 to March 31, 2019, is due to government April 30. View the news release for more information on this announcement.