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BC Government insisted on the Housing Round Table to form the housing policy
Real Estate

BC Government insisted on the Housing Round Table to form the housing policy

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A coalition of BC municipalities, housing organizations and community groups calls on the provincial government to set up a permanent housing policy.

Announced on Monday, the call for action follows a resolution of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The motion, brought forward by the North Central Local Government Association, urges the province to create a standing body that brings together:

  • Local authorities
  • Indigenous housing organizations
  • Market and non-market housing groups
  • Academic experts
  • Provincial and federal housing officers

The aim is to support cooperation, evidence-based housing policy that reflects the needs of communities in the province.

The BC Real Estate Association supports the initiative, together with a growing list of stakeholders that include municipalities, trade and sector organizations rooms, such as the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, Canadian MortGage Brokers Association – BC, Landlordbc and the fabricated Home Park owners Alliance or Bark owners

The resolution comes as Christine Boyle takes over as BC’s Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister. Proponents say that her appointment is a chance to quickly go with the coordinated housing policy.

“This resolution is an important step forward in creating inclusive and effective housing policy,” said Jasrop Gosal, manager of BCREA of government relationships. “We look forward to working with the new Minister of Housing and all stakeholders to ensure that this round table produces real results for British Columbians.”

The resolution is now waiting for a formal response from the provincial government.

Current policy is missing: BcEA

In one short On the housing tour table, BCREA notes that the BC government has been under “considerable pressure” in recent years to respond quickly and introduce new measures to tackle the affordability crisis.

“Although many of the new policy ideas have had merit, the policy development process lacked progress, detailed consultation with a variety of housing experts, which is needed to ensure that a holistic vision is assumed,” it says.