B.C. makes largest housing investment ever in province’s history

The Government of B.C. is committing $500 million to ensure more British Columbian families have access to affordable rental housing, the largest housing investment in a single year by any province in Canada.

A total of 2,900 rental units will be created, in partnership with non-profit societies, local governments, government agencies, community organizations and the private sector.

This is in addition to $355 million announced earlier this year in February to create 2,000 additional new units of affordable rental housing throughout B.C., bringing the Province’s total investment announced this year to $855 million.

“This is another significant step towards helping more people find an affordable place to live,” said Premier Christy Clark. “Thanks to our growing, diverse economy, we’re able to make the largest affordable housing investment in one year by any province in Canadian history, and we will continue to work with community partners and all levels of government to keep putting British Columbians first.”

A mix of new housing will be developed to meet the needs of a wide variety of people in communities throughout the province, including low-to moderate-income renters, seniors, youth, students, adults with developmental disabilities, Aboriginal people and women and children.

Funding for these projects will be provided from the government’s newly-created Housing Priority Initiatives Special Account, and projects will include a combination of acquisition of existing units from the private market as well as new construction.

“We are taking meaningful steps to address housing affordability challenges in B.C.,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing.

“The purchase of existing units from the private market helps provide an immediate housing solution while the construction of new housing will ensure that the developments are predesigned to meet the specific needs of individuals and families.”

Funding allocations will be determined on a project specific basis. The Province has already identified several projects and announcements will be made upon approval in the coming months.

All projects will be identified and approved by March 2017. Newly constructed housing will be completed over the next 24 to 36 months.

Today’s announcement builds on the other housing affordability actions recently taken by the Province, including:

• Implementing a 15% additional property transfer tax that applies to foreign purchasers of residential real estate in Metro Vancouver;
• Strengthening consumer protection in B.C.’s real estate market through increased oversight and accountability of real estate licensees;
• Introducing a new luxury tax on properties that sell for more than $2 million; and
• Introducing a Newly Built Homes exemption, which has helped nearly 5,500 families save an average of $7,600 on their newly built homes.

The Province will continue to work on additional measures in the coming months to address housing affordability and supply challenges. These actions will align with our 6 Principles of Housing Affordability:

1. Ensuring the dream of home ownership remains within the reach of the middle class
2. Increasing housing supply
3. Smart transit expansion
4. Supporting first-time home buyers
5. Ensuring consumer protection
6. Increasing rental supply

Learn More:

To learn more about the Province’s actions on housing affordability, visit: http://housingaffordability.gov.bc.ca/

For information on housing affordability programs and services in B.C., visit: http://housingaffordability.gov.bc.ca/categories/housing-affordability-programs-and-services/

A backgrounder follows.