Articles tagged with "Government and Policy"

The construction and real estate industry in Metro Vancouver continues to see significant job activity, with numerous hires and promotions being reported despite a market downturn. Key developments include appointments at major companies like Anthem Properties, Century Group, and positions within government and planning departments. Notable movements include Neil Martin joining Astria Properties as Head of Retail Investments, and Christine Boyle being appointed as Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. The industry shows resilience with these strategic workforce changes.

British Columbia Premier David Eby has rejected proposals from developers to ease restrictions on foreign investment in housing, stating that past policies led to unaffordable properties and empty homes. Developers argued that the existing rules hinder their ability to build new homes due to high costs and financing challenges, while foreign funding could help alleviate this. Meanwhile, housing experts and urban planners support keeping strict limits on foreign investment to avoid reinflating prices artificially. The provincial government, represented by Eby and Housing Minister Christine Boyle, remains firm on pushing for more housing development while maintaining their foreign buyer tax.

Surrey City Council is eliminating the rezoning requirement for non-market affordable housing projects to accelerate development and reduce costs, recognizing that rezoning often delays projects and increases expenses. This initiative gives 'as-of-right' zoning for qualifying projects, aligning with Surrey's Official Community Plan and meeting specific criteria. This move is part of Surrey's Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, which aims to enhance multi-family and affordable housing supply. The plan has already received substantial federal funding support, and Surrey is progressing well on its housing initiatives.

WorkSafeBC has announced that the preliminary average base premium rate for 2026 will remain unchanged at $1.55 per $100 of assessable payroll. This rate has been consistent for nine years, allowing the agency to return surplus funds to employers due to strong financial performance. Approximately $570 million will be returned in 2026 through reduced rates, and changes in industry rates will see 39% of employers experiencing decreases, while 47% will see increases. The final rates will be approved in November by the board.

A legal dispute between Metro Vancouver and the former contractor Acciona Wastewater Solutions LP has led to the suspension of the review of a $3.86 billion wastewater treatment plant project. Sources indicate that Metro Vancouver board members received legal advice to pause the review due to ongoing litigation. This development highlights the challenges faced by large infrastructure projects when legal issues arise. The project, essential for regional wastewater management, is now in limbo as the parties resolve their conflicts.

Reliance Properties plans to redevelop a site at 807-815 Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver into a 35-storey hotel and condominium tower. The proposed structure will feature an 11-storey podium housing retail space and a 160-room hotel, with 176 strata units above. The development is part of Vancouver's efforts to encourage hotel construction and includes significant underground parking facilities. The tower's unique architectural elements aim to harmonize with the surrounding historic cityscape.

Metro Vancouver has decided to pause its review of the issues surrounding the sewage treatment plant project due to an ongoing legal dispute with the previous contractor, Acciona. The litigation is not set to be heard until 2027, which means the review could be delayed for several years. The decision has drawn criticism as the community seeks accountability and clarity on the project's challenges.

Vancouver's shift to multiplex zoning is seeing significant success with a third of recent residential land sales being for these new building types. The city made a strategic move in 2023 to rezone areas previously designated for single-family homes to allow multiplexes, which offer a more affordable and quicker alternative for developers. This has attracted both small and mid-size developers, seeing it as a profitable and efficient option amid high construction costs. The trend is expected to potentially spread to other Canadian cities, encouraged by policy changes and investments in prefabrication.

Metro Vancouver has put an independent review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program on hold, citing ongoing litigation with former contractor Acciona as the reason. The review will proceed only after resolving the legal matter, scheduled for trial in March 2027. The project is significant, ranking 21st on ReNew Canada's 2025 Top100 Projects list, and Metro Vancouver provides monthly updates to the public. Randal Kaardal now oversees the review, succeeding the late John J.L. Hunter.

The City of Vancouver has officially opened the Granville Connector, a protected walking and cycling path on the west side of the Granville Bridge. The project reallocates two vehicle lanes to create a safe and accessible route from downtown Vancouver to Central Broadway and the Arbutus Greenway. Funded in part by TransLink, the $54 million project aims to enhance Vancouver's active transportation network and address infrastructure deficits. Construction on the project began in early 2023, with continuous improvements planned through 2026.

The construction of a new $386 million BC Cancer centre in Kamloops has begun, aimed at providing enhanced cancer care access to the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region. Set to open in 2028, the facility will offer comprehensive cancer treatments including radiation therapy, significantly reducing travel for patients. EllisDon Corporation will lead construction, and the project is a key capital investment from the Province of British Columbia. The centre will operate in partnership with Interior Health and includes upgrades to the existing community oncology clinic and pharmacy.

Creative Energy in Vancouver is undertaking one of Canada's largest fuel switch projects, aiming to transition its district energy network from natural gas to low carbon electricity. In collaboration with BC Hydro, the project will involve constructing new substations and replacing old natural gas boilers with high-efficiency electric ones, targeting a reduction of 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This project is part of broader efforts to comply with strict GHG emissions targets set by Vancouver, potentially influencing numerous downtown buildings to connect to the newer, more sustainable energy system. These initiatives reflect Vancouver's continued transformation towards being a leader in green city standards.