CHBACI President Tom Calne, 1st VP Chris Crowell, 2nd VP Tom Eggers, and Executive Officer Rose Choy were in Victoria on November 27 and 28, along with CHBA BC members. They had the valuable opportunity to meet with approximately 40 ministers and MLAs to address crucial housing issues impacting our communities.
The two-day event kicked off with an insightful session where our members received comprehensive training on government relations.
A key focus of CHBA BC's advocacy efforts was the call for a more efficient and streamlined approval process. Recognizing the critical role that regulatory processes play in the timely delivery of housing projects, CHBA BC underscored the importance of simplifying and expediting approval procedures.
Another pivotal advocacy priority that emerged during the discussions was the control of building home costs. Given the escalating expenses of materials and labor affecting housing affordability, coupled with growing government-imposed charges, CHBA BC emphasized the imperative for collaborative efforts to address these challenges.
Our 1st Vice President, Chris Crowell, held a meeting with Minister Nathan Cullen, responsible for Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, to present concerns raised by developers in our community. The central objective of the meeting was to actively address and advocate for these concerns, striving for positive solutions.
The results of these significant discussions will play a crucial role in shaping policies that support a vibrant and sustainable homebuilding industry in British Columbia.
President Tom Calne had a productive meeting with Minister Bruce Ralston, responsible for Forestry. The discussion centered around challenges related to Archaeology and the Heritage Act, with a positive focus on finding solutions for issues such as timeline constraints, costs, and their impact on housing affordability.
CHBACI and CHBA BC members participated in a collaborative roundtable discussion with the BC United Party to address pertinent housing issues. The meeting provided a platform for constructive dialogue and shared insights, fostering a united effort to tackle challenges and promote sustainable housing solutions.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson and MLA Peter Milobar graced our reception, connecting with CHBA BC members.
Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Selina Robinson, emphasized collaborative efforts with homebuilder members in addressing the critical need for homes in British Columbia. Her insights underscore the importance of partnerships in meeting housing demands and contributing to the well-being of our communities.
CHBA National President Sue Wastell expressed gratitude for being part of a robust advocacy network and a passionate community within the industry. Her words highlighted the strength and dedication of everyone involved, emphasizing the collective commitment to advancing the interests of the homebuilding sector.