Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. to bring in housing supply, rental changes

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Nov, 2022 02:09 PM
  • B.C. to bring in housing supply, rental changes

VICTORIA - The British Columbia government is moving to increase housing supply with measures that will end rental restrictions and force local governments to meet housing growth targets.

Housing Minister Murray Rankin introduced two pieces of legislation today, saying the province will work with local governments on the housing targets and that rental restrictions on apartment complexes will be removed.

Premier David Eby, who was sworn in on Friday, says housing is one of the most critical issues that he will immediately address.

The legislation includes provisions that allow the province to force municipal compliance, although the government says it doesn't expect that will be necessary for communities facing a housing crisis.

The legislation would also change the law to remove discriminatory age limits in all condominium properties covered by the Strata Property Act, however 55-plus buildings would remain to preserve seniors' communities.

Eby, who was housing minister before running for premier, released a housing plan during his leadership campaign aimed at addressing affordability, targeting speculators and protecting renters.

The premier said on Friday that he planned to "hit the ground running" and then set out two one-time payments for residents, to help mitigate inflation pressures on them.

He announced a new public safety plan on Sunday to increase enforcement on repeat violent offenders and expand mental-health crisis response teams.

MORE National ARTICLES

One dead, another hurt in B.C. mall shooting

One dead, another hurt in B.C. mall shooting
Police say they were called to the mall Monday morning for a "serious police incident." Staff Sgt. Dave Uppal says that they know of the trauma this shooting will have on many people and supports are in place for those who may need help.

One dead, another hurt in B.C. mall shooting

Ex-mayor of Surrey, B.C., not guilty of mischief

Ex-mayor of Surrey, B.C., not guilty of mischief
McCallum said in brief remarks outside the courthouse Monday that he was “pleased with the decision.” He thanked his lawyers for “their tremendous efforts,” his family for “understanding and supporting me,” and the media for their “sensitivity” covering the case. “And to the people of Surrey, I love you. I love all of you,” he said.  

Ex-mayor of Surrey, B.C., not guilty of mischief

VPD investigates after East Van diners robbed at gun-point

VPD investigates after East Van diners robbed at gun-point
Two men with guns entered the restaurant, near Commercial Drive and Kitchener Street, at the height of Sunday brunch. They pointed the weapons at staff and patrons, ordering the victims to hand over cellular phones and other valuables, then fled in a vehicle.

VPD investigates after East Van diners robbed at gun-point

Woman robbed while trying to withdraw money from an East Van ATM over the weekend

Woman robbed while trying to withdraw money from an East Van ATM over the weekend
The 34-year-old victim was attempting to use a bank machine near Broadway and Commercial around 10 p.m. Saturday when she was approached by a stranger who asked for a cigarette. The victim refused, and the man allegedly shoved her against a wall and demanded money.

Woman robbed while trying to withdraw money from an East Van ATM over the weekend

B.C. Premier Eby to share plans for housing crisis

B.C. Premier Eby to share plans for housing crisis
His proposed plan would fast-track affordable housing by speeding approvals, use government land for some projects, make all secondary suites across the province legal and allow homebuilders to replace a single-family house with up to three units on the same lot.  

B.C. Premier Eby to share plans for housing crisis

Help identify suspect in racist graffiti: Surrey RCMP

Help identify suspect in racist graffiti: Surrey RCMP
Frontline officers located similar graffiti on a nearby elementary school while in the area investigating. As well in September 2022, there was a similar incident of graffiti where the same fence and school were vandalized.

Help identify suspect in racist graffiti: Surrey RCMP

PrevNext