Image: A construction worker at a worksite. / File / Pattison Media

By Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Progress in creating homes for people

May 30, 2024 | 8:00 AM

Affordable housing continues to be one of the most important issues facing British Columbians today. And that’s why we are continuing to take action on creating more homes for people, in the communities they love, at prices they can afford.

Over the past year, significant steps have been taken in reshaping housing policy and legislation to expedite the construction of much-needed housing. Since 2017, we’re seeing results, with nearly 78,000 units either completed or in progress.

To make this process even smoother, we just announced on Monday the launch of the Building Permit Hub to help avoid unnecessary delays, make the permitting process smoother for homebuilders and get shovels in the ground more quickly.

That’s not the only progress we’ve seen recently. In Metro Vancouver, just last week we announced almost 700 below-market units. Since 2017, nearly 40,000 homes have been delivered or underway in Metro Vancouver alone. Additionally, we announced last week that in Port Moody, 325 below-market units are currently in development.

It was an exciting day in my own riding last week, at the unveiling of 35 new housing units for Indigenous communities in Vernon, along with the preservation of 26 affordable homes through the Rental Protection Fund. We’re creating more stable, inclusive homes for people in the Interior, with over 600 units of housing in Vernon alone underway or delivered including 100 units of Vernon’s first ever student housing and on-reserve housing for Okanagan Indian Band.

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We’re focused on affordable housing in more rural sections of the province, too, with 34 affordable rental units tailored for shíshálh Nation members in Sechelt also announced last week.

These are just a few announcements that are the result of our unwavering goal to provide all British Columbians with access to suitable housing for themselves and their families.

Announcements like these in the communities we love are possible thanks to action we’ve taken to build more lower-cost middle income homes, protect renters and landlords, speed up building times, lower construction costs, and stop speculation.

When people can secure affordable and safe housing, it means they can focus on living a quality life in the communities they love with family, neighbours, and friends. We will continue to work to improve quality of life for all British Columbians and make sure that we are working to create affordable housing on all sides of the province.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.