Victoria City Council voted unanimously to approve a measure to accelerate the building of new affordable housing projects in the city during a public hearing last week. 

Photo credit: Concert PropertiesVictoria ranks behind only Toronto and Vancouver as the least affordable cities for housing in CanadaAffordable housing projects undertaken by government, cooperative or non-profit organizations will no longer be subject to rezoning or public hearings, as long as they follow the city’s Official Community Plan and design guidelines.

It is the first legislation of its kind adopted by a municipality in BC, aimed at closing the supply-gap and to making homes more accessible and more attainable for people living in Victoria.

The measure has been received warmly by those involved in local affordable housing projects, such as the CEO of BC Non-Profit Housing Association Jill Atkey:

“There are three key factors that put affordable housing projects at risk once they enter the municipal approvals process: time, cost and uncertainty of approval,” said Atkey. “Victoria City Council removed all three of those barriers and now shines as an example to other municipalities serious about affordable housing in their communities.”

It has also received support from David Eby, Attorney General and Minister responsible for Housing:

“Because of the scope of our housing investments,” said Eby “Having a partner at the municipal level who facilitates quick approvals helps get doors open sooner for people living in the streets and parks.” 

The legislation is expected to decrease construction timelines by an average of nine months, with all decisions now being delegated to city staff, rather than the typical public hearing and council processes. 

Victoria remains one of the most expensive cities to live, with rental prices ranking the third-highest of any city in the country. The median monthly rent for a typical one-bedroom apartment in Victoria in March was $1,770.