The City of Victoria is celebrating their success in meeting the first annual target set by the BC government to build more housing.
They were able to do so in half the allotted time.
In September of last year, the Province released their first list of 10 municipalities that had the most need for additional homes to be built to help curb the housing crisis.
Victoria was on that list and had the lofty task of having 4,902 homes built in the city over the next five years.
With 753 new homes already built, they have exceeded the annual required quota of 659 in just six months.
In addition to these homes that have been completed, Victoria has issued 316 building permits and approved 1,628 homes for rezoning.
See also:
- Construction on Banfield Park’s extended dock and new ‘Marine Park’ begins (PHOTOS)
- Island Health to build three new long-term care homes on Vancouver Island
“It’s an incredible accomplishment for Victoria to reach this target so quickly,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
“Meeting the mark well before the deadline set by the Province demonstrates that urgently needed housing can be fast-tracked when local governments lean in to the effort.”
She says that Victoria is pulling its weight in addressing the housing crisis and will continue to work towards building new housing until the needs of the city are met.
According to the City, as the Official Community PLan (OCP) undergoes its 10-year update, housing remains at the forefront of the plan as a leading, guiding force.
“The City’s progress toward meeting these five-year housing targets is a great foundation to build upon as we contemplate Victoria’s future,” said Lauren Klose, Manager of Community Planning at the City of Victoria.
“Ensuring the city has a range of livable housing options for the next 20 years and beyond is at the core of the OCP update.”
With all they have done thus far, the City says they are already at 15% of their five-year target.
