Globe & Mail "Residents gear up for a fight as Saanich feels the growing pains of density" by Kerry Gold

Excerpt:

"Saanich resident Sasha Izard, who ran for council in 2022, is concerned about the involvement of the development community, which he and others believe has an undue influence in shaping policies around density. Mr. Izard cites a presentation from the Urban Development Institute to then-Housing Minister David Eby dated March 10, 2022. In the presentation, the non-profit organization, a lobby group for the development community, recommends enhanced densities around transit nodes, between 200 and 800 metres outward. The presentation also recommended the province set housing targets for municipalities, with rewards and punitive measures for those who don’t meet the goals.

In the fall of 2023, the province introduced the Housing Supply Act and set initial targets for 10 municipalities. It gives the province the right to act if those targets are not met by local governments. By the end of that year, the province passed Bill 47, which mandated minimum building heights up to 800 metres outward from transit nodes, such as bus exchanges and SkyTrain stations.

“The letter and presentation called for enforceable housing targets along rapid transit lines, with content pushing density around transit oriented areas that appear to be a precursor to Bill 47,” said Mr. Izard. “A carrot and stick approach was lobbied for, with various punishments suggested for municipalities that do not build fast enough along designated transit areas.”"

Residents gear up for a fight as Saanich feels the growing pains of density - The Globe and Mail (Direct Link)

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