Whereas the Province has acknowledged that there is a housing crisis affecting communities across all of British Columbia and has chosen to take unprecedented action to address this challenge by looking for opportunities and taking action to deliver long-term housing supply; And whereas large infrastructure projects mandated or approved by the Province put immense pressure on available housing rental and ownership stock, and tourism infrastructure by requiring a significant number of temporary workers without appropriate workforce housing plans as a requirement of project approval: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province require robust and detailed workforce housing plans integral to the approval process for large infrastructure projects, to address and minimize the cumulative impacts of temporary workforce housing on communities and deliver a positive housing legacy.
Ministry of Housing Robust infrastructure development and supports for the provinces workforce are critical to ensuring continued economic growth throughout BC. The Province recognizes the potential impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local housing availability, particularly through increased demand for housing for workers directly and indirectly involved with these projects. Staff in the Ministry of Housing are working with colleagues across government to ensure co-ordination and awareness of the housing sector implications that may result from large infrastructure projects. That work includes identifying ways to mitigate the effects of these large projects on local communities and working in collaboration with the regional governments to find community-specific solutions. Through actions and initiatives identified in the Home for People action plan, the Province is actively working to encourage the creation of purpose-built rentals and affordable housing supply and support local governments to meet new requirements related to residential zoning measures and development approval processes.