National

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

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Nov, 2022 02:09 PM

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.

Join Premier David Eby; Murray Rankin, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing; Marianne Alto, mayor of Victoria; and Omama Shoib, a health-care worker, for an announcement about new actions to tackle the housing crisis. https://t.co/f6UG8vTtm1
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) November 21, 2022

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.

Extra support with the cost of living is on the way:
• $100 credit on your power bill in Dec
• Savings of up to $550 per child per month on child care in Dec
• New BC Affordability Credit in Jan
• Increased BC Family Benefit for Jan-March 2023 https://t.co/DshgshYU1R pic.twitter.com/TKVlfmXA0E
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) November 18, 2022

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

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating missing woman, Traci Johal.

Traci Johal is described as a South Asian woman, 5’6”, 125 lbs., with shoulder-length dyed dark blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a white blouse, black or grey leggings, a black sweater and black running shoes. Her family and police are concerned about her well-being.

Surrey RCMP is asking for the public’s help in locating missing woman, Traci Johal.

Two bodies found in home in Chilliwack, B.C.

A statement from RCMP in the Fraser Valley city says police were called to the home in a rural area of Chilliwack on Tuesday afternoon. Officers determined the deaths appeared suspicious and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is now leading the case.

Two bodies found in home in Chilliwack, B.C.

Jury weighs in after man shot 9 times by B.C. cops

The coroners inquest probed the November 2016 death of Daniel Rintoul, who attacked and stabbed a staff member, tried to steal a gun from a gun case and took a hostage at an east Vancouver Canadian Tire. The 38-year-old, nearly six-foot, 350-pound man was shot nine times after repeatedly stabbing one of the officers who was trying to arrest him.

Jury weighs in after man shot 9 times by B.C. cops

Health fund talks end without deal as feds balk

British Columbia Health Minister Adrian Dix, who called it a "disappointing" end to the meetings, had previously said provincial and territorial ministers were united behind a request for federal funding to be increased to 35 per cent, up from 22 per cent.

Health fund talks end without deal as feds balk

Mayor Brenda Locke releases her top priorities during her swearing in ceremony

Mayor Locke's vision and commitment to residents is to ensure transparency, restore public engagement, and maintain Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction. All voices will be heard and I look forward to working with all the residents of Surrey.

Mayor Brenda Locke releases her top priorities during her swearing in ceremony

Canada will work with Congress of any stripe: PM

Voters across the U.S. are headed to the polls to decide whether Republicans or Democrats should wield control on Capitol Hill. Trudeau says the close ties between the two countries have always transcended politics, and he doesn't expect that to change, whatever the outcome.