by VRBA | Apr 18, 2017 | Blog, Building Code
BC will elect a government on May 9 and voters have an opportunity to ask candidates about these measures to improve housing. Renovation Tax Credit A renovation tax credit boosts energy efficiency, seismic safety, asbestos mitigation, battles the underground economy... read more
by VRBA | Apr 12, 2017 | Blog, Building Code
This week the BC govt launched the Step Code, which fast-tracks energy efficiency requirements and increases costs in new homes. Surveys show affordability is #1 priority for British Columbians, which is not surprising, considering BC’s home prices are $100,000 above... read more
by VRBA | Mar 22, 2017 | Building Code, Housing data, Renovating, Uncategorized
The 2017 federal budget document proposes increasing the energy efficiency of homes and buildings in Canada. Page 128 – Greener Buildings “Making Canada’s building and industrial sectors more energy efficient will reduce emissions, make homes and buildings... read more
by VRBA | Jan 31, 2017 | Blog, Building Code, Housing data
CMHC reports a severe lack of housing supply in Greater Victoria resulting in rising prices. VRBA attributes the lack of supply to: BC govt’s policy of municipal self-determination obstructing proper regional planning for housing, transportation and sewage; CRD’s... read more
by VRBA | Jan 16, 2017 | Blog, Building Code, Housing data
BC’s Best Practice Guides intended to promote housing affordability often result in poor practice. An example is the guide for Development Cost Charges, which says DCC’s must be applied with “Fairness and Equity, Accountability, and Certainty.” “Certainty should be... read more
by VRBA | Jan 11, 2017 | Blog, Building Code, Hiring a Contractor
Our association has been the leading advocate for a reno tax credit to mitigate asbestos in homes. We have asked the federal and provincial govts to help address the hazards and costs of asbestos. So far, there has been little interest by elected officials from any of... read more
