Latest news with #TaskForceforHousingandClimate
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
B.C. given C+ housing grade by task force — but builders say cities need to step up
British Columbia is falling short when it comes to building new homes, according to a new report on housing across the country — and some leaders in the housing sector agree with the report's findings. The Task Force for Housing and Climate, a group of 15 housing policy experts that formed in 2023 to make recommendations for governments across the country, commissioned the report. It gives B.C. a C+ for its progress on developing much-needed homes across the province. "British Columbia has instituted the most ambitious reforms, but their overall performance is undermined by high (and still rising) municipal development charges and some of the slowest permitting approval times in the country," the report says. No province received a better grade than a C+. Alberta, given a D+, was given the lowest grade, but it gave the federal government a B. The province says that it appreciates the task force's work, and its acknowledgement of "the progress we're making to build more homes faster." "Despite economic challenges, we saw a 37 [per cent] increase in housing starts in January 2025 and a 61 [per cent] surge in purpose-built rental unit registrations, showing strong momentum," a Housing Ministry spokesperson said in a statement. "With unprecedented provincial investment in non-market housing, we're on track to exceed our goal of 114,000 new housing units by 2027/2028, with nearly 92,000 homes already delivered or underway." Dan Winer, executive lead with the non-profit group Small Housing B.C., says the report does have some merit, but he says the province has made a lot of improvements that deserve recognition. "We agree with the overall tone of the urgency and the need for bold, drastic moves," Winer told CBC's The Early Edition host Stephen Quinn. "But at the same time, we disagree with the harsh grading." Winer says B.C. has been a leader in legalizing what he calls "gentle density" — adding more homes to existing properties by building things like basement suites and coach houses, or building triplexes and fourplexes on a single lot. "But gentle density is the chance to add homes to established neighborhoods and leverage existing infrastructure without fantastically altering the shape of the neighborhood or the community," he said. "We just think it's one of the most elegant solutions to adding more housing to our vast portfolio here in B.C." In 2023 B.C. passed Bill 44, which requires municipalities to rezone in order to increase small-scale, multi-unit housing. Some municipalities have pushed back, however, and have asked for more time to apply the bill to their official community plans and bylaws. Winer says some of the biggest obstacles to creating more housing in B.C. include high municipal fees, and unpredictable timelines that increase costs and slow down construction. The problem mainly lies with municipalities, Winer says. Casey Edge, executive director of the Victoria Residential Builders Association, agrees that municipalities are the leading obstacle of more housing. In the Capital Regional District there are 13 separate municipalities, each with their own municipal plans, that govern a total of about 400,000 people. "It's why we don't have LRT out to the West Shore," Edge told CBC's On The Island host Gregor Craigie. "Edmonton created their LRT in 1974 with the same population that we have in Victoria today and we're nowhere close." Edge points out that the province recently had to enforce its housing targets for Victoria suburb Oak Bay by releasing recommendations for the municipality. He wishes that Bill 15, the controversial infrastructure legislation that B.C. passed earlier this week to fast-track schools, hospitals and some private projects, had included housing as well. Permit and other development delays are a significant source of cost increases, Edge says, because builders still have to pay loans and taxes on land while they wait for the go-ahead to build.
National Observer
29-05-2025
- Business
- National Observer
Provinces 'hold the key' to building more homes, new report argues
While the federal government and cities across Canada are making strides on expanding the housing supply, the provinces still need to get serious about building quality homes, a new report released Thursday argues. No province earned a grade higher than C+ in the report assembled by the Task Force for Housing and Climate, a non-governmental body that was struck in 2023 with backing from the philanthropic Clean Economy Fund. The task force's "report card" evaluated governments based on their policies for building homes quickly and sustainably. It gave the federal government the highest grade in the country — a B — while Alberta ranked at the bottom of the pile with a D+. The rest of the provinces' scores were in the C range. Mike Moffatt, the report's author and founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative at the University of Ottawa, suggested that the provinces have thus far avoided "scrutiny" for their role in perpetuating the housing crisis, while Ottawa and the cities have taken the heat for red tape and high costs. "Provinces really hold the key here. They have the most policy levers and, in many cases, they've actually done the least," he said. The task force is co-chaired by former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson and former deputy leader of the federal Conservatives Lisa Raitt. Prime Minister Mark Carney was one of the group's members before becoming federal Liberal leader. 'Currently, no government is doing enough to get these homes built," said Raitt in a statement accompanying the report. The task force compiled its report card based on its evaluations of government policies to encourage factory-built housing, fill in market gaps, boost density, map high-risk areas and update building codes. The report found plenty of variability even within provinces, said He said both Saskatchewan and Ontario are doing well on building away from high-risk areas but are falling short on increasing density. The report gave British Columbia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island a score of C+ — the highest score received by any province. Moffat said BC's grade suffered because while it encourages density "on paper," its slow permit approvals and high building costs frustrate development. While Alberta is doing well on the pace of housing starts alone, he said, that's mostly due to leadership at the municipal level in Calgary and Edmonton — not provincial policy. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in the provincial legislature in November that the government was "not standing in the way of the private sector to build more affordable housing." She said increasing housing supply would "automatically" bring down costs for Albertans. Moffatt said Smith's stance is "correct" — lowering barriers to development is critical to expanding the supply of affordable housing — but that's "only part of the story." He said Alberta has to take "responsibility" for the housing demand it induces through its successful marketing campaign to lure Ontarians to the province. Moffatt said the province also has to make sure homes are built sustainably and not in the path of wildfires, and can't abdicate its responsibility for filling gaps in social housing. "We need both. We need a strong, robust private sector to deliver housing, but we also need government to come in and fill in the gaps," he said. Moffatt said the provinces are falling behind on mapping flood plains and need to take responsibility for provincial legislation that leads to higher development charges. He noted that the report card was based only on implemented policies and did not capture the impact of proposed legislation such as Ontario's Bill 17, which is meant to speed up permits and approvals, simplify development charges and fast-track infrastructure projects. The report said the federal government's housing accelerator fund, which encourages municipalities to simplify zoning rules to get more shovels in the ground, has made progress but needs enforcement tools to keep cities accountable after they strike funding deals with Ottawa. Moffatt said he hopes to use the report card framework to track progress on housing goals in the future, and to work on separate research to evaluate municipalities' housing policies.
Hamilton Spectator
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Provinces ‘hold the key' to unlocking homebuilding, new report argues
OTTAWA - While the federal government and cities across Canada are making strides on expanding the housing supply, the provinces still need to get serious about building quality homes, a new report released Thursday argues. No province earned a grade higher than C+ in the report assembled by the Task Force for Housing and Climate, a non-governmental body that was struck in 2023 with backing from the philanthropic Clean Economy Fund. The task force's 'report card' evaluated governments based on their policies for building homes quickly and sustainably. It gave the federal government the highest grade in the country — a B — while Alberta ranked at the bottom of the pile with a D+. The rest of the provinces' scores were in the C range. Mike Moffatt, the report's author and founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative at the University of Ottawa, suggested that the provinces have thus far avoided 'scrutiny' for their role in perpetuating the housing crisis, while Ottawa and the cities have taken the heat for red tape and high costs. 'Provinces really hold the key here. They have the most policy levers and, in many cases, they've actually done the least,' he said. The task force is co-chaired by former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson and former deputy leader of the federal Conservatives Lisa Raitt. Prime Minister Mark Carney was one of the group's members before becoming federal Liberal leader. 'Currently, no government is doing enough to get these homes built,' said Raitt in a statement accompanying the report. The task force compiled its report card based on its evaluations of government policies to encourage factory-built housing, fill in market gaps, boost density, map high-risk areas and update building codes. The report found plenty of variability even within provinces, said He said both Saskatchewan and Ontario are doing well on building away from high-risk areas but are falling short on increasing density. The report gave British Columbia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island a score of C+ — the highest score received by any province. Moffat said B.C.'s grade suffered because while it encourages density 'on paper,' its slow permit approvals and high building costs frustrate development. While Alberta is doing well on the pace of housing starts alone, he said, that's mostly due to leadership at the municipal level in Calgary and Edmonton — not provincial policy. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in the provincial legislature in November that the government was 'not standing in the way of the private sector to build more affordable housing.' She said increasing housing supply would 'automatically' bring down costs for Albertans. Moffatt said Smith's stance is 'correct' — lowering barriers to development is critical to expanding the supply of affordable housing — but that's 'only part of the story.' He said Alberta has to take 'responsibility' for the housing demand it induces through its successful marketing campaign to lure Ontarians to the province. Moffatt said the province also has to make sure homes are built sustainably and not in the path of wildfires, and can't abdicate its responsibility for filling gaps in social housing. 'We need both. We need a strong, robust private sector to deliver housing, but we also need government to come in and fill in the gaps,' he said. Moffatt said the provinces are falling behind on mapping flood plains and need to take responsibility for provincial legislation that leads to higher development charges. He noted that the report card was based only on implemented policies and did not capture the impact of proposed legislation such as Ontario's Bill 17, which is meant to speed up permits and approvals, simplify development charges and fast-track infrastructure projects. The report said the federal government's housing accelerator fund, which encourages municipalities to simplify zoning rules to get more shovels in the ground, has made progress but needs enforcement tools to keep cities accountable after they strike funding deals with Ottawa. Moffatt said he hopes to use the report card framework to track progress on housing goals in the future, and to work on separate research to evaluate municipalities' housing policies. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025.
Global News
29-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Provinces hold ‘key' to homebuilding but must take more action: report
While the federal government and cities across Canada are making strides on expanding the housing supply, the provinces still need to get serious about building quality homes, a new report released Thursday argues. No province earned a grade higher than C+ in the report assembled by the Task Force for Housing and Climate, a non-governmental body that was struck in 2023 with backing from the philanthropic Clean Economy Fund. The task force's 'report card' evaluated governments based on their policies for building homes quickly and sustainably. It gave the federal government the highest grade in the country — a B — while Alberta ranked at the bottom of the pile with a D+. The rest of the provinces' scores were in the C range. Mike Moffatt, the report's author and founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative at the University of Ottawa, suggested that the provinces have thus far avoided 'scrutiny' for their role in perpetuating the housing crisis, while Ottawa and the cities have taken the heat for red tape and high costs. Story continues below advertisement 'Provinces really hold the key here. They have the most policy levers and, in many cases, they've actually done the least,' he said. The task force is co-chaired by former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson and former deputy leader of the federal Conservatives Lisa Raitt. Prime Minister Mark Carney was one of the group's members before becoming federal Liberal leader. 'Currently, no government is doing enough to get these homes built,' said Raitt in a statement accompanying the report. 1:01 Throne speech: King Charles says Liberals will work to make Canada's housing market 'work better' The task force compiled its report card based on its evaluations of government policies to encourage factory-built housing, fill in market gaps, boost density, map high-risk areas and update building codes. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The report found plenty of variability even within provinces, said He said both Saskatchewan and Ontario are doing well on building away from high-risk areas but are falling short on increasing density. Story continues below advertisement The report gave British Columbia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island a score of C+ — the highest score received by any province. Moffat said B.C.'s grade suffered because while it encourages density 'on paper,' its slow permit approvals and high building costs frustrate development. While Alberta is doing well on the pace of housing starts alone, he said, that's mostly due to leadership at the municipal level in Calgary and Edmonton — not provincial policy. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in the provincial legislature in November that the government was 'not standing in the way of the private sector to build more affordable housing.' She said increasing housing supply would 'automatically' bring down costs for Albertans. Moffatt said Smith's stance is 'correct' — lowering barriers to development is critical to expanding the supply of affordable housing — but that's 'only part of the story.' He said Alberta has to take 'responsibility' for the housing demand it induces through its successful marketing campaign to lure Ontarians to the province. 23:26 Focus BC: Housing, infrastructure and the end of the spring session Moffatt said the province also has to make sure homes are built sustainably and not in the path of wildfires, and can't abdicate its responsibility for filling gaps in social housing. Story continues below advertisement 'We need both. We need a strong, robust private sector to deliver housing, but we also need government to come in and fill in the gaps,' he said. Moffatt said the provinces are falling behind on mapping flood plains and need to take responsibility for provincial legislation that leads to higher development charges. He noted that the report card was based only on implemented policies and did not capture the impact of proposed legislation such as Ontario's Bill 17, which is meant to speed up permits and approvals, simplify development charges and fast-track infrastructure projects. The report said the federal government's housing accelerator fund, which encourages municipalities to simplify zoning rules to get more shovels in the ground, has made progress but needs enforcement tools to keep cities accountable after they strike funding deals with Ottawa. Moffatt said he hopes to use the report card framework to track progress on housing goals in the future, and to work on separate research to evaluate municipalities' housing policies.
Toronto Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Provinces ‘hold the key' to unlocking homebuilding, new report argues
OTTAWA - While the federal government and cities across Canada are making strides on expanding the housing supply, the provinces still need to get serious about building quality homes, a new report released Thursday argues. No province earned a grade higher than C+ in the report assembled by the Task Force for Housing and Climate, a non-governmental body that was struck in 2023 with backing from the philanthropic Clean Economy Fund. The task force's 'report card' evaluated governments based on their policies for building homes quickly and sustainably. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW It gave the federal government the highest grade in the country — a B — while Alberta ranked at the bottom of the pile with a D+. The rest of the provinces' scores were in the C range. Mike Moffatt, the report's author and founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative at the University of Ottawa, suggested that the provinces have thus far avoided 'scrutiny' for their role in perpetuating the housing crisis, while Ottawa and the cities have taken the heat for red tape and high costs. 'Provinces really hold the key here. They have the most policy levers and, in many cases, they've actually done the least,' he said. The task force is co-chaired by former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson and former deputy leader of the federal Conservatives Lisa Raitt. Prime Minister Mark Carney was one of the group's members before becoming federal Liberal leader. 'Currently, no government is doing enough to get these homes built,' said Raitt in a statement accompanying the report. The task force compiled its report card based on its evaluations of government policies to encourage factory-built housing, fill in market gaps, boost density, map high-risk areas and update building codes. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The report found plenty of variability even within provinces, said He said both Saskatchewan and Ontario are doing well on building away from high-risk areas but are falling short on increasing density. The report gave British Columbia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island a score of C+ — the highest score received by any province. Moffat said B.C.'s grade suffered because while it encourages density 'on paper,' its slow permit approvals and high building costs frustrate development. While Alberta is doing well on the pace of housing starts alone, he said, that's mostly due to leadership at the municipal level in Calgary and Edmonton — not provincial policy. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in the provincial legislature in November that the government was 'not standing in the way of the private sector to build more affordable housing.' She said increasing housing supply would 'automatically' bring down costs for Albertans. Moffatt said Smith's stance is 'correct' — lowering barriers to development is critical to expanding the supply of affordable housing — but that's 'only part of the story.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW He said Alberta has to take 'responsibility' for the housing demand it induces through its successful marketing campaign to lure Ontarians to the province. Moffatt said the province also has to make sure homes are built sustainably and not in the path of wildfires, and can't abdicate its responsibility for filling gaps in social housing. 'We need both. We need a strong, robust private sector to deliver housing, but we also need government to come in and fill in the gaps,' he said. Moffatt said the provinces are falling behind on mapping flood plains and need to take responsibility for provincial legislation that leads to higher development charges. He noted that the report card was based only on implemented policies and did not capture the impact of proposed legislation such as Ontario's Bill 17, which is meant to speed up permits and approvals, simplify development charges and fast-track infrastructure projects. The report said the federal government's housing accelerator fund, which encourages municipalities to simplify zoning rules to get more shovels in the ground, has made progress but needs enforcement tools to keep cities accountable after they strike funding deals with Ottawa. Moffatt said he hopes to use the report card framework to track progress on housing goals in the future, and to work on separate research to evaluate municipalities' housing policies. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025. Politics Headlines Newsletter Get the latest news and unmatched insights in your inbox every evening Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. 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