policy

​The 44-storey NUVO in Burnaby, which topped off in September 2024.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.