COLLINS: More bafflegab from the B.C. Government

Jun 2, 2023 | 5:00 AM

I HONESTLY DON’T KNOW WHAT to make of the province’s new housing project announced this week. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Is it a typical announcement the NDP is famous for, full of pompous pronouncements and little hope of success?

Ten municipalities have been chosen to undergo a “pilot project” to address housing needs in the province. Under the plan, these municipalities will negotiate with the Province to set targets for housing developments to increase supply. In return, these municipalities will be granted some amenities to enhance the City. Things like bike lanes, green areas and the like.

But if you don’t make the targets, the government will come down on you like a ton of bricks and take over the decision-making, circumventing the local government’s ability to make decisions based on what the community wants.

Much of the feedback so far seems positive. So maybe I’m missing something. Oh, did I mention Kamloops is on this list of target cities? We are, and we’re the only city outside the greater Lower Mainland area to be included.

Apparently, we have some land, and we have a great need for “affordable” housing. But what does all this mean? What criteria do we use to determine affordability? Which groups are we targeting?

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The most obvious, like the homeless, or the group in most need, which is the Lower Middle class, most of whom won’t be able to rent, let alone own a home. And where will these developments take place? As they say in the real estate business “location, location, location.” And the location of these developments is critical.

I’m sure developers would like less red tape, but how will they feel if they wind up getting their land gobbled up and used in such a way that they can’t make a profit on their investment?

So many questions- so few answers. Hopefully, things will be clearer when discussions start taking place. Right now, it’s a mess.

One news story called it a “carrot and stick approach.” My mind pictures David Eby driving the wagon and holding the carrot above the council donkeys who are trying to get a bite. It is a no-win situation. Do what the province wants now, or be forced to take it on the chin in the longer term.

Some might liken that to blackmail.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Doug Collins

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COLLINS: More bafflegab from the B.C. Government

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