Weekend article notes that BC Government is considering legislation over Municipal Housing Approvals

British Columbia Housing Minister David Eby has
captured the attention of municipal officials with 
comments over the weekend towards potential
changes in Housing legislation

If Prince Rupert Mayor Lee Brain is looking to expand the scope of his recent thoughts towards themes of Governmental over-reach, as delivered through his Civic Focused Facebook page, the Province of British Columbia may be offering up a new topic for the mayor's consideration.

A story from Dirk Meissner of The Canadian Press over the weekend has charted some of the planning that may be in motion by Housing Minister David Eby, highlighting the Ministers frustration with municipal government when it comes to making final decisions on housing approvals.

The article which you can review here, outlines that while the Minister notes that cities should have the right to say where housing needs go; they should not be allowed to decide whether or not housing goes ahead.

The BC Government's concerns over the glacial pace of housing approvals comes as many cities face a growing housing shortage and many have seen extreme homeless issues. 

Some past decisions in recent years by municipal government in a number of areas of the province, have given the Horgan Government pause to consider the changes the Minister may have in mind to push ahead with their housing agenda.

In October the BC government streamlined some legislation to try to speed up housing approvals, a measure noted by Councillor Mirau earlier this year, when Council moved an application for some housing forward from fellow councillor Wade Niesh.

The Mesiner piece explores the topic rather extensively, noting of the push back from the UBCM, and how some observers of the housing situation in the province suggest the Minister's move may not be the best application of Provincial government intrusion.

Prince Rupert City Council revised some of its housing provisions in January of 2021, Council at the time noting how they had hoped that those moves will move housing forward faster in the community than has been seen in the past.

February saw City Council develop an Interim Housing Strategy towards any future action on housing.

In July of last year, the City adopted a Housing Action list, which provided a listing of some of their key objectives for housing in the community.

The pace of housing themes for Prince Rupert is one which has seen a few proposals approved and as noted above no shortage of initiatives, but little in the way of actual construction taking place for the most part to date.

In the article, the Minister notes the government plans are still preliminary and won't be introduced until the fall, which would make any potential revision of municipal powers something for the next council to be elected in October to deal with.

Considering that both Mayor Lee Brain and Councillor Blair Mirau have already noted that they will not be seeking re-election in the fall, the topic may be one for those currently on council that may be considering a run for office in October to take some action on, or to speak towards with provincial officials.

Starting perhaps with a letter seeking some clarification for Council directed towards MLA Jennifer Rice; or better yet to invite her to Council to outline the MLA to Council Chambers to relay the Province's thinking on the issue, as well as to explore current housing needs for the community.

More notes on Housing can be reviewed through our archive page.

As the Minister's thoughts of Municipal/Provincial relations may make for some commentary we imagine, you can explore more notes on the province scene from our Political blog D'Arcy McGee.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.