Issue 42 February 2020

News and Events

2020 BC Budget

The 2020 BC Budget presents limited changes for the residential construction industry in British Columbia. Continued investments in CleanBC incentives are positive, as are social housing projects across the province for those in greatest need.

Quote from CHBA BC Chief Executive Officer Neil Moody:

“After many years of housing policy changes, the residential construction businesses across the province will appreciate the focus on a steady and stable path forward, as reflected in Budget 2020. We will utilize this next year to encourage government to implement the opportunities around development approvals to achieve greater housing availability and to communicate transparently on the newly announced integrated housing processes. We will continue the essential conversation on how we can collaboratively increase housing supply across British Columbia.”

You can read the full news release here – https://chbabc.org/b-c-budget-february-2020/

Strata Insurance

Strata insurance rates across the province are rising, and the public has asked the government to provide relief. CHBA BC members that build strata units are impacted by this issue and are equally concerned if the challenges in the resale market could impact new construction.

CHBA BC will be meeting with IBC and other stakeholders from the residential construction industry in mid-March to address the issues regarding strata insurance. 

On Wednesday, February 26th, Liberal Municipal Affairs and Housing Critic, Todd Stone, introduced a bill to help address the strata crisis — The Strata Property Amendment Act, 2020, which provides for the following legislative changes:

• Adds a new defined term “standard unit” to better ensure correct insurance-product pricing and greater clarity in the claims process;
• Requires a strata corporation to provide a copy of proof of insurance;
• Requires that strata corporations be provided insurance renewal terms at least 30 days in advance; and,
• Requires an owner of a strata lot to obtain and maintain liability insurance.

In addition, Stone is calling on the government to implement a water damage prevention program to provide financial incentives for preventative maintenance in strata buildings. News Release here.

The B.C. NDP government has asked that the British Columbia Financial Service Authority (BCFSA) monitor the situation carefully and report that they are “doing everything [they] can to financially protect British Columbians.”

Consultations

DAPR Survey Results

The preliminary results from the DAPR Survey are in and here are the top three opportunities, as outlined in the DAPR Report:

1. Removing the requirement for a public hearing for minor amendments.
2. Provide local governments the authority to delegate decision making to staff for minor development variance permit matters (for example, minor variances to parking, siting, etc., that do not affect the use or density and do not create a significant impact on neighbouring properties).
3. Emphasizing the need for staff across departments to communicate, understand, and balance requirements administered through development approval processes.

Thank you to all who provided feedback, this allows us to further fine-tune which issues and options to best pursue and advocate on your behalf.

Submission to the Emergency Program Act Modernization, Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General

The residential construction industry will play a key role in the mitigation and recovery of natural disasters. Some of this work has been previously identified in our recent submission to the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy consultation through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. 

There are a lot of missing details still to be developed to action this proposal, you can read the full submission here.