The City of Victoria is making significant strides in meeting its provincial housing targets, issuing occupancy permits for nearly half of its five-year goal in just two years. This progress positions the city favorably for potential provincial funding for amenities. However, concerns have been raised regarding shortfalls in specific housing categories, particularly below-market rentals and units with three or more bedrooms.
Key Takeaways
- Victoria has issued occupancy permits for 2,359 net new housing units over the past two years, achieving 48% of its five-year goal.
- The city is falling behind on targets for below-market rental units and housing with three or more bedrooms.
- Supportive housing and general rental market targets are being met or exceeded.
- Council has approved a substantial number of housing units, though developers' timelines impact actual construction.
Victoria's Housing Progress
Victoria has issued occupancy permits for 2,359 net new housing units in the last two years, placing it at 48% of the five-year target of 4,902 units. This achievement means the city is nearly halfway to fulfilling its provincial housing mandate, established in 2023 to boost housing supply and affordability in high-need areas. Municipalities meeting these targets are eligible for provincial funding for infrastructure projects like parks and recreation centers.
Areas of Concern
Despite the overall positive trend, city councillors have highlighted specific areas where Victoria is lagging. Only 363 below-market rental units have received occupancy permits, significantly short of the five-year guideline of 1,798 units. Similarly, only 181 permits have been issued for units with three or more bedrooms, compared to the target of 736 by the end of 2028.
Strategies and Future Outlook
City housing manager Ross Soward explained that efforts to increase housing numbers include streamlining the approvals process, rezoning for taller buildings in residential areas, fast-tracking below-market housing applications, and collaborating with senior governments. The pace of below-market unit development is heavily influenced by the availability of provincial and federal funding.
Councillors have called for greater transparency regarding approved housing units versus completed ones, suggesting it would demonstrate council's commitment to housing development. There's also a call for clarity on the promised provincial support for amenities and infrastructure that accompany housing growth.
Victoria is exceeding targets for supportive housing, with 171 completions against a goal of 102, and is on track for general rental market units, with 1,535 permits issued towards a goal of 3,483.
Mayor Marianne Alto emphasized that current successes are built on the work of previous councils and urged continued effort. She also pointed out the absence of mandates for shelters within the housing targets, suggesting they should be a required component of a housing continuum.
Concerns were also raised about the potential displacement of existing affordable housing to make way for new, potentially unaffordable developments, highlighting a need for development that is both plentiful and equitable.
