CFB Esquimalt land could be used for more housing, Eby tells Trudeau
B.C. Premier David Eby met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday and raised the idea of using federally-owned military land for housing.
The housing crisis has hit all parts of the province, including at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt near Victoria, where around 700 military members are on waitlists for housing.
Even members who have secured housing through the military say more is needed.
Jordan Desroches, who lives on the base with her three kids, says space is limited.
"We took a downgrade in size to move here, to be in one of the houses," said Desroches.
"Because of [how long] the wait is, we'd probably still be on a waitlist," she said.
Eby brought up the issue Wednesday when he met with the prime minister. He pitched the idea of increasing housing development on the federally owned lands.
"There's a big military base at Esquimalt with a lot of land and opportunity to build housing for families," he said.
Eby noted that the difference in density between the base and the surrounding area, evening within just a few metres, is striking.
The premier suggested that improving housing density on the base would provide more homes for military members, which would in turn lighten the load in the housing market in the surrounding area, where many members end up living.
"Take pressure off of the broader community, in terms of commute as well as housing," said Eby.
Housing advocates support the idea, noting that many homes on the base are older style, single-family homes that are very far apart.
Desroches says she would welcome greater density.
"A lot of the houses have a lot of property as well, which is unnecessary," she said. "We have huge yards."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes end tenure in the desert with raucous atmosphere before move
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.