File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aman Singh, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Delivering more homes, fast

Sep 20, 2023 | 10:25 AM

EVERYONE IN OUR PROVINCE DESERVES A HOME that they can afford to rent or buy. But I know that this is not the reality for many people in B.C. today. A chronic shortage of housing combined with lengthy approval times for new construction have made it hard to get everyone into the homes they need.

Our BC New Democrat government is working to change this, and we announced two new actions this week that will get more homes built faster. We’re making it easier to get provincial permits to build new homes, and we’re making it more affordable for people to build a suite on their property to rent out at a reasonable rate.

The first action we announced this week will speed up and simplify the permitting process for new homes. Instead of requiring multiple different applications across several different government ministries, we’re launching the Single Housing Application Service, where homebuilders will submit just one application. This will reduce the wait time for approval by several months, so homebuilders can get to work sooner on building new homes and rental buildings.

To do this, the new Single Housing Application Service will connect homebuilders to experts in this field who will provide a dedicated point of contact guiding homebuilders throughout the application process.

The second action will make it easier for homeowners to build suites to rent out on their property. This coming spring, we’re launching a pilot program to give at least 3,000 homeowners access to a forgivable loan to help create a new secondary or basement suite on their property. Over five years, the loan can be forgiven on 50% of the cost of renovations, if the homeowner meets the conditions of the program – including renting out their unit at or below market rates.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

9h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

We’ve heard from people that they would love to create a rental suite on their property, but find the process confusing and time-consuming. Along with the incentive program, we’ve launched an online guide called Home Suite Home, that gives people information on how to build and manage a rental suite.

In a few weeks when the Legislature resumes, we’ll be introducing legislation to make secondary suites legal to build everywhere in the province.

These steps will help to create much-needed rental homes below current market rates, so that more people can find a home they can afford in the community they love.

I know there is still much more to do to get everyone into a home they can afford, which is why we are not slowing down – we’re taking new steps all the time. By tackling the housing crisis from all angles, we will make sure that everyone has the home they deserve.

—

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.