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
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.