policy
Construction
How DCC Rates Compare Across Metro Vancouver Municipalities
A recent report found that rates for development cost charges (DCCs) vary quite significantly from city to city.
Oct 10, 2024
Mortgages
“All About Gentle Density”: Feds Unveil New Mortgage Refinancing For Secondary Suites
Somewhat jarringly, the product will allow eligible homeowners to access up to 90% of their property’s value, including the value added by the secondary suite, with a property value limit up to $2 million.
Policy
The Chair Of The Planning & Housing Committee On Toronto's Housing Crisis
Following an impromptu speech at last week's Committee meeting from Councillor Gord Perks, some in Toronto's development industry are up in arms over Perks' denial that fees and zoning are playing a role in the City's housing crisis.
Policy
Burnaby Considering Development Framework Based On Height Instead Of Density
The proposed changes would use height instead of FAR as a development control mechanism, which could potentially speed up approvals.
Elegance Meets Modern Charm At This Serene Summerhill Family Home
Sitting pretty on one of Summerhill’s most coveted streets, 109 Roxborough Street West is a prime example of century home elegance merged with modern-day charm.
Policy
Conservatives Unveil "Get BC Building" Housing Plan, NDP Counters
John Rustad and the Conservatives say they want to speed up housing approvals, repeal hidden taxes, and establish a BC Development Tribunal, among other things.
Urbanity Fair
Digging In The Wrong Direction: How Ford’s 55 km Tunnel Misses The Mark For Ontario’s Future
Premier Doug Ford's proposal to build a 55 km-long underground highway tunnel raises serious concerns about the future of transportation and urban planning in Ontario, according to Urban Planner Naama Blonder.
Policy
BC Conservatives Proposing $3,000 Per Month "Rustad Rebate" On Rent, Mortgages
The proposed BC Rent and Mortgage Rebate — colloquially being called the "Rustad Rebate," after Conservative Leader John Rustad — would exempt housing costs from provincial income taxes beginning at a maximum of $1,500 a month starting January 2026.
Affordable Housing
BC Attainable Housing Initiative To Finance 40% Of Heather Lands Presale Prices
The Province will finance 40% of the purchase price on pre-sale homes at Heather Lands through a new Attainable Housing Initiative.
Policy
Vancouver Proposing Fast-Track Policy For Social Housing Projects Up To 18 Storeys
The City of Vancouver's new proposed initiative essentially pre-zones to allow social housing projects up to six or 18 storeys, depending on location, by default.
Policy
"It Defies Logic”: Is Toronto's Approach To Development Charges Broken?
Development Charges (DCs) now make up a hefty amount of a Toronto home’s total overall cost, significantly driving up already near-record home prices — prices that are ultimately shouldered by homebuyers
Policy
“It’s Shocking”: Toronto Looks To Undo Garden Suite Permissions On Portion Of Parkmount Road
The proposed zoning amendment is said to be “city-initiated,” and comes more than two years after garden suites became legalized across the city, as-of-right.
Renting
How The Government Of Canada Is Approaching The Renters' Bill Of Rights
The Government of Canada committed to establishing a Renters' Bill of Rights as part of Budget 2024.
Construction
Metro Vancouver Developers Link Arms, Take Aim At DCC Increases
Developers such as Wesgroup, Polygon, Anthem, Strand, and Edgar are pushing the Metro Vancouver Regional District to reconsider DCC increases.
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