BC NDP announces 337 new housing units

In its first official announcement since MLAs were sworn in, the BC NDP has announced a new 337-unit housing development.

The development is a joint project between the government and the Musqueam First Nation. 117 units will be part of the Sawmill Housing Co-operative and 220 will be run by the First Nation, providing a place to live for some of the 400 band members waiting for housing.

“These beautiful buildings like this, we’re going to have an opportunity for our band members to have a place to live while they’re waiting for their home on the reserve,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow.

The soon-to-open development is in line with housing announcements by David Eby’s last government. Metro Vancouver’s need alone is estimated in the 10s of thousands, but not all communities are so willing to embrace the province’s densification plans. About six per cent have not, and Langley Township still hasn’t accepted transit-focused development.

“When you see reports that say our small-scale multi-unit legislation, as well as our transit-oriented development, will bring … approximately 300,000, homes over the next five years, these are significant changes and that’s what’s required to address the challenge,” said NDP Housing Minister Ravi Khalon.

“Certainly, if the changes aren’t made, we as a province will step in and make the changes that are required.”

Surrey is also resisting blanket development rules from the province, asking to be granted a city charter that would give them more control over the development process in the community.

“Nothing is more frustrating for people that are saying yes to housing than seeing communities that are saying no,” Khalon said.

“Everyone has a responsibility to do a little bit so that not one community has to do a lot.”

Khalon says transit-focused development is the most cost-effective way to create desperately needed housing in B.C.