THE ISSUE
British Columbia’s housing crisis is being driven by excessive regulation, high fees, and policy uncertainty, not a lack of demand or land. Projects are being cancelled, costs are rising, and investment is leaving the province.
The NDP has worsened the situation through higher development fees, new taxes, and increased provincial interference. This has reduced housing supply and driven up costs for buyers and renters.
Iain Black brings private-sector leadership, Cabinet experience, and deep economic expertise. He has the experience to fix the system and get BC building again, starting on day one.
DEVELOPMENT COSTS & FEES
Principle: Fees should reflect actual costs, not act as a tax grab.
- Cap or reduce DCCs and CACs to align with construction costs
- Eliminate Metro Vancouver regional development fees
- Defer payments until project completion
- Require audits to ensure funds are used as intended
APPROVALS & PERMITTING
Principle: Faster, more predictable approvals.
- Introduce standardized, pre-approved application templates
- Explore outsourcing parts of the approvals process
- Restore municipal authority over zoning decisions
BUILDING CODE REFORM
Principle: Align with national standards to lower costs.
- Reduce or eliminate the BC Energy Step Code
- Standardize building codes across the province
REAL ESTATE TAXATION
Principle: Encourage investment and remove outdated taxes.
- Eliminate Speculation and Vacancy Tax for Canadians
- Reassess municipal vacancy taxes
- Remove Foreign Buyers’ Tax on new builds
- Ease short-term rental restrictions, especially outside Metro Vancouver
POLICY SUMMARY
Goal: Remove red tape, reduce costs, and restore confidence in BC’s housing market.
- Lower development costs and eliminate duplicative fees
- Speed up approvals and reduce political interference
- Standardize building rules to cut construction costs
- Remove taxes that discourage investment and new supply
Iain Black is the only candidate with the experience to cut through red tape, restore confidence, and get BC building again.