CMHC reports there was zero new missing middle housing (townhomes, duplexes, etc) in six CRD municipalities in 2022.
The municipalities are Central Saanich, Saanich, Oak Bay, North Saanich, Metchosin, and Highlands.
There were only 6 new units built in View Royal.
As usual, 42% of the 481 missing middle total was in Langford.
New housing in Central Saanich totaled only 39, North Saanich – 27 and Oak Bay – 27. Much of Oak Bay’s new housing are replacement homes on existing lots, not new supply.
Greater Victoria’s largest municipality Saanich has been in a new housing decline since 2017 when 625 new homes were built. In 2022, there were 338 new homes – a reduction of 46%. However, they continue to post big surpluses from permit fees charged on the cost of construction, not the actual inspection work.
The BC government’s promise to improve housing affordability will require reining in these costs, improving lengthy rezoning processes, and mandating missing middle density for municipalities. So far, the province has been reluctant to impose substantive changes on municipalities.
Housing starts in Greater Victoria were 4787 in 2022.
Single detached housing was down 21% vs 2021 from 860 to 679.
Multi-family, mostly condos, increased 4% to 4108.