Chilliwack and Mission are among 20 communities in a “high growth, high need” region of B.C. that will be receiving housing targets this summer.
It’s part of the provincial commitment to create tens of thousands more homes under the Homes for B.C. action plan.
This is the second round of B.C. cities identified to get housing targets to deliver more housing density, that included Chilliwack and Mission as well as City of Langley, Maple Ridge and more.
Housing Minister Ravi Kahon said in the release that the goal is for these communities to “build on the work they are already doing,” noting that some are more ahead of the game on the housing file than others.
Housing targets were established for the initial 10 “priority” communities identified in 2023, and the announcement on Tuesday (April 23) maps out the next set of 20 communities expecting targets, to take them through the next five years.
Some municipalities are scrambling to conform to new provincial rules, ushered in under the B.C. Homes for People action plan, such as nixing public hearings for rezonings that comply with the official community plan.
“We are addressing the housing crisis with our municipal partners so thousands more affordable homes can be built for people who need them,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.
Provincial officials say they will work with these communities to ensure they meet their housing targets, laying the foundation for more homes to be built quicker.
The new legislation offers details about designated Transit-Oriented Areas, updated Official Community Plans and streamlined local-development approval processes, as well as standardized housing designs that will be available this year. To help with the initiatives and the housing targets, supports include:
* the historic $1-billion Growing Communities Fund to help 188 local governments address population growth;
* $10 million for a second intake of the Local Government Development Approvals Program; and
* $51 million in grant-based funding to support activities or projects, such as updating existing zoning bylaws, housing needs reports and official community plans.
The Housing Supply Act is part of the Province’s Homes for People action plan to deliver more homes in B.C., building on B.C.’s $19-billion housing investment and the introduction of effective tools to tackle speculation and increase the number of rentals.