National

City of Vancouver to expedite housing permits

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 14 Jun, 2023 03:20 PM

The City of Vancouver is using technology to accelerate its housing approvals process, allowing applicants to upload building plans, check regulations and receive compliance reports.

Mayor Ken Sim says the introduction of the e-Comply program -- the first of its kind in Canada -- is a “game-changer” that is getting more homes built faster.

City council also adopted Sim’s 3-3-3-1 campaign promise, with a commitment on permit approval timelines.

The policy targets permit approval of three days for renovations, three weeks for single family homes, three months for low and mid-rise projects and one year for major projects.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Suspicious incident being investigated in New Westminster

The passenger is described as a South Asian male, 6’0’ tall, medium build, approximately 35 to 40 years old, with a trimmed beard, and wearing a black jacket. There was no description provided for the driver.

Suspicious incident being investigated in New Westminster

Chilliwack RCMP need the public's help in identifying three children involved in suspicious occurrence at Portage Park

The boys are described as approximately eight to ten years old. It is possible that they had a skateboard and a scooter and departed toward Menzies Street. The girl is approximately eight years old. the man involved in Friday’s incident at Portage Park is not believed to be related to a previous report of suspicious activity on Cedar Creek Drive.

Chilliwack RCMP need the public's help in identifying three children involved in suspicious occurrence at Portage Park

B.C. 911 dispatcher union calls for more funding

Emergency Communications Professionals of BC said in a news release that staffing shortages have forced call takers to work "well beyond" their normal hours, which it believes is unsustainable. The temporary provisions are set to expire Sept. 21, while the added mental health supports end in December, the union said.

B.C. 911 dispatcher union calls for more funding

VPD need public's help in resolving a hit and run that ended up killing a dog

“Based on the information collected so far, there is no question the driver of the SUV knew he hit the dog and its owner,” says Constable Jason Doucette. “Luckily the owner suffered only minor injuries, but the loss of one-and-a-half-year-old Tobi has been devastating for the family.”

VPD need public's help in resolving a hit and run that ended up killing a dog

Canada to implement 988 suicide crisis line

It says starting at the end of November 2023, Canadians will be able to call 988 to be connected to a mental health crisis or suicide prevention service, free of charge. The Public Health Agency of Canada will decide which group will provide the service, along with the scope of care it will offer.

Canada to implement 988 suicide crisis line

Collision claims life of 80 year old motorcyclist at Cherry Creek

The motorcyclist, a man in his eighties from the Kamloops area, died as a result of the collision. The driver of the van, a man in his seventies from the East Kootenays, was not injured in the crash, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.