Victoria council approves 'missing middle' initiative
Victoria’s newest council has greenlit a contentious housing initiative that makes it easier to densify neighbourhoods, after a tumultuous and lengthy debate that’s gone on for years.
The "missing middle" housing policy has been approved in a 6-3 vote. It allows builders to construct multiplexes – such as townhomes and four-plexes – without having to rezone the lot.
"I think everybody recognizes that we need more density, we need more housing," said Coun. Chris Coleman, despite voting against it.
He’s concerned with the initiative treating all neighbourhoods the same and doesn’t think it does enough to address affordability.
"I’m sure we will construct new housing options, but I don’t think the rents will go down," said Coleman.
Aryze Developments used to work on projects of a similar scale, but says the long rezoning process made it difficult to build a business in Victoria. It’s moved on to higher density projects, but thinks there are others who will be interested – including co-ops and non-profits.
"Because the rezoning process is a huge barrier to people, to coming together, to want to do a co-op together," said owner Luke Mari.
"So with that out of the way, it’s much easier to secure funding for these smaller projects," he said.
The entrance to city hall in Victoria, B.C. (CTV News)The rental advocate Together Against Poverty Society is hopeful the plan could lead to smaller scale, supportive and subsidized housing sites – and is encouraged about the diversity it should bring.
But, it’s also concerned about affordability in the region as prices increase.
"We would encourage municipal bylaws to work with provincial legislation to focus on vacancy control as a priority," said Antonia Mah.
The introduction of such a control would prevent landlords from hiking the rent for new tenants when another moves out.
The South Island Prosperity Partnership watches the regional economy, connecting with local businesses regularly. It says, amid the labour shortage, employers across all industries are asking for more housing to help recruit and retain staff.
"The ultimate goal from our perspective is to have a sustainable economy," said Dallas Gislason with SIPP.
"We need to be able to attract people to the region – younger people, we need health-care workers, we need doctors. Those people in all cases need somewhere to live and there’s just quite frankly not enough," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.