Whereas BC local governments recognize the current housing crisis and lack of affordable housing across BC; And whereas local government infrastructure deficits and land availability may be a significant barrier to the creation or provision of affordable housing; And whereas provincial grant opportunities generally do not fund new or upgraded linear infrastructure or land acquisition: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urges the Province, as part of their housing funding initiatives, to provide funding to local governments for new or upgraded infrastructure and land acquisition that would directly contribute to the creation of affordable housing in BC communities.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs The province continues to explore options to improve the local government land use planning framework to speed up housing approvals and get more of the right housing built in the right places. The province is currently exploring additional tools to support local governments to secure affordable housing and outcomes from new developments necessary for building complete communities. Density bonusing is a tool available to local governments that allows them to offer developers the option of building additional density or floor space in exchange for a contribution to the local government. This contribution can take the form of a specific number of affordable housing units or funding to the local government for affordable or special needs housing. In March 2023, the province provided 1 billion in new funding to all 188 BC local governments through the Growing Communities Fund, so communities can prepare for future growth and build the infrastructure needed to support new home construction. The funding has assisted communities in addressing their unique needs such as recreation facilities, water-treatment plants, but also allowing local governments to use the funding to support affordable housing projects in their communities. In Fall 2023, the province passed new legislation Bill 46 2023 to provide new and updated development finance tools that local governments can use to help fund the costs of infrastructure and amenities needed to support complete and livable communities. The legislative changes included amendments to the existing Development Cost Charge frameworks that have now expanded the scope of eligible infrastructure projects beyond, water, sewer, drainage, roads, and parks, to now include fire protection facilities e.g., fire halls, police facilities, and solid waste facilities. Furthermore, the province also provided local governments with the new authority to impose Amenity Cost Charges ACCs. ACCs are a new development finance tool that allow local governments to collect funds for amenities like community centres, recreation centres, daycares, and libraries from new development that results in increased population. These amenities support livable and complete communities in areas of growth. The province continues to explore ways to support local governments with the necessary supports and resources required to build more homes for people in their communities. That is why the province has partnered with the Union of BC Municipalities though the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Local Government Financial Resiliency to ensure we are working together to continue to discuss ways to improve the local government finance system in BC.