Building & Industry News
Slow Building Permits Add Insurance Costs, Stress
We often write about the challenges of rezonings, fees, taxes and building approval processes adding to the costs of housing. However, we spoke with insurance industry experts, and they say another rising issue is the cost of insurance when people are faced with a...
CMHC Reports Housing Starts 33% Lower VS 2024
Despite provincially-mandated housing targets and rezonings, CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 366 housing starts in March 2025 are 20% lower than the 459 starts in March 2024. Overall, housing starts are down 33% year-to-date at 612 new homes in 2025 vs 916 in 2024....
Housing Issues for Federal Election Candidates
A federal election is underway and voting day is April 28, 2025. Housing is a priority for Canadians, and much work is required to boost supply to make homes more affordable. The average price of a home in BC is $964,536. The Victoria Real Estate Board reports the...
Governance Crisis Adversely Affecting BC’s Housing Supply
The Business Examiner covered the presentation by Casey Edge, Executive Director, VRBA - one of the panelists at a recent Macdonald-Laurier Institute luncheon in Victoria. They said, "Canada is facing a crisis in governance that is adversely affecting the housing...
VRBA Partners with PHBI on Education
The importance of education and training in today’s residential construction industry can’t be overstated. Ongoing changes to the building code, materials and processes require contractors achieve an educational standard and annual Continuing Professional Development...
Despite BC Govt Targets, Housing Starts Decline 46%
Despite provincially-mandated housing targets and rezonings, CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 141 housing starts in February 2025 are 49% lower than the 275 starts in February 2024. Overall, housing starts are down 46% year-to-date at 246 new homes in 2025 vs 457 in...
BC Needs Reno Rebate for Safety, Economy, Jobs
Since March 3, the west coast has experienced significant earthquakes ranging from 3.9 to 4.7. This ongoing seismic activity is a reminder we live in a subduction zone where large earthquakes can happen any time. Scientists recently discovered an active fault running...
Remove GST and PTT from Housing
Two candidates for the federal Liberal leadership – Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland – have promised to remove the GST for first-time buyers of new homes under $1 million and $1.5 million respectively. This is a step forward on reducing the sales tax on new housing....
2025 CARE Awards Sponsorship Launched
We have launched our 2025 CARE Awards sponsorship opportunities package. The Annual CARE Awards event is the most prestigious housing awards for Canada's leaders in west coast design and construction. Our promotions and marketing are unmatched thanks to our...
VRBA Annual Golf Tournament – May 28
Connect with VRBA members and promote your product or service at VRBA’s Annual Fun Golf Tournament at Olympic View on Wed, May 28th! You do not have to be a VRBA member to register as a golfer or to be a sponsor. ONLY $235/golfer: see the attached for...