Building & Industry News
Hire a VRBA Contractor for Your Home Project
Last year, many municipalities were required to update their bylaws to accommodate the provincial legislation enabling moderate housing density (townhomes, duplexes, fourplexes, etc) in single family zones. If you are considering any new home project including a...
January Housing Starts Lowest in 5 Years in CRD
Despite provincially-mandated housing targets and rezonings, CMHC reports Greater Victoria’s 105 housing starts in January 2025 are 42% lower than the 182 starts in January 2024. In fact, this year is the lowest in 5 years: January 2025 - 105; 182 in 2024; 463 in...
A Solution to Skilled Trades Shortages
Skilled trades shortages are growing as baby boomers retire and demand for new housing increases. Governments at all levels are promising to boost housing supply, which requires a large, well-trained workforce. Labour market studies predict 83,000 job openings in the...
Join VRBA in the New Year
If you are considering membership in an industry association this year, consider the Victoria Residential Builders Association. Our daily mission is to be effective, efficient, and affordable for our members. We are the builders’ leading voice advocating housing...
Renovation Rebate Needed for Seismic Safety
There are hundreds of small earthquakes annually in our region that usually go unnoticed. They are constant reminders we live in a subduction zone where large earthquakes can happen any time. Scientists discovered an active earthquake fault running under Elk Lake,...
2025 Crystal Ball Housing Forecast
VRBA’s Annual Crystal Ball Housing Forecast on January 15 featured presentations by: • Dirk VanderWal, Chair, Victoria Real Estate Board • Brendon Ogmundson, Chief Economist, British Columbia Real Estate Association • Shiva Moshtari Doust, Lead Economist, Canada...
Housing Starts Declined in Most CRD Municipalities in 2024
Despite provincially-mandated housing targets and rezonings, Greater Victoria’s total housing starts in 2024 were down 16% according to CMHC. From January to December, housing starts were 4,185 vs 4,992 during the same period in 2023. The City of Victoria housing...
Hire a Contractor Using VRBA Expression of Interest
Thinking of building a new home or renovating? How will you determine a builder’s track record, availability and prices? Try our online Expression of Interest making it easy to get quotes from VRBA’s professional contractors. Visit https://www.vrba.ca/hire-a-builder/...
Built Green for Your Family and the Planet
With concerns about climate change and global sustainability, homebuyers will want to explore the benefits of a Built Green home. Built Green homes are energy efficient, healthier for your family and better for the planet. Built Green homes offer: Greater energy...
Housing Starts Down 16% in Greater Victoria
Despite provincially-mandated housing targets and rezonings, Greater Victoria’s year-to-date housing starts are down 16% according to CMHC. From January to November, housing starts were 3,668 vs 4,348 during the same period in 2023. The City of Victoria housing starts...