›› Grace Lore, MLA

I know access to affordable, attainable housing is so important to our ­community. Behind Vic High and funded by BC ­Housing, 158 affordable units of rentals are being built, but to truly meet the need in our city and across the province, we need bold action on housing.

This fall we ­introduced historic and ­transformative housing legislation and I want to share some of these changes with you.

Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act 

Starting May 2024, short-term ­rentals will be banned outside primary residences in urban municipalities like ours. In ­Victoria, this will end the use of Airbnb’s and other short-term rentals in ­approximately 1600 units where they are currently allowed. Housing must first and foremost be for homes for people. The new legislation ­bolsters enforcement measures by ­increasing fines for non-compliant platforms and owners and by creating a mandatory registration system and a new compliance and enforcement unit.

Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act 

We’re removing barriers to building small-scale multi-unit homes, like townhouses, by allowing construction of up to 3, 4, or even 6 units on lots that have ­previously only allowed single family homes, depending on size of lot and ­proximity to transit. We’re also ­streamlining the zoning process by requiring regular community consultation and planning upfront rather than on a project-by-project basis.

Housing Statutes (Transit Oriented Developments) Amendment Act

We need to build more homes and more sustainable communities. To do this, we need to build more homes near transit services and amenities. These changes will allow up to six or ten stories of homes in walking distance from bus exchanges or rapid transit, with parking requirements focused on spots for people with disabilities.

These legislative changes are supported by a significant $400 million from the 2023 budget so that the province can acquire land and build more affordable homes near transit hubs. Together, these changes represent a bold strategy to address the sizable challenges of the housing crisis. Solving our city’s housing issues won’t happen overnight, but our communities depend on our commitment to investing in a variety of housing solutions.

Feel free to connect with my office at Grace.Lore.MLA@leg.bc.ca or give us a ring at 250-952-4211.