The City of Victoria is making significant strides in housing construction, achieving nearly half of its five-year provincial housing goal in just two years. The city has issued occupancy permits for 2,359 net new housing units, putting it on track to meet and potentially exceed the provincial target of 4,902 units by 2028. This progress positions Victoria favorably for potential provincial funding for amenities.
Key Takeaways
- Victoria has issued occupancy permits for 2,359 net new housing units in the last two years, reaching 48% of its five-year goal.
- The city is exceeding targets for supportive housing and general rental units.
- Concerns have been raised regarding shortfalls in below-market rental units and housing with three or more bedrooms.
- City council has approved all housing applications that have come before it.
Exceeding Provincial Goals
The provincial government set housing targets for municipalities in 2023, with the incentive of provincial funding for amenities like parks and recreation centers for those that meet them. Victoria's performance indicates a strong commitment to increasing housing supply. The city has also seen success in other areas, with 171 supportive housing units completed, surpassing the required 102, and 1,535 new rental market units permitted against a five-year goal of 3,483.
Areas of Concern
Despite the overall positive trend, some city councillors have voiced concerns about specific housing types. Victoria has only provided occupancy permits for 363 below-market rental units, significantly short of the provincial guideline of 1,798. Similarly, only 181 permits have been issued for units with three or more bedrooms, compared to a target of 736. City housing manager Ross Soward attributed the lower numbers in below-market rentals to the availability of provincial and federal funding.
Council's Role and Future Considerations
Councillor Jeremy Caradonna highlighted that the city has approved 1,727 affordable housing units, suggesting that future reports should include more detail on approved units to demonstrate council's proactive role. He also questioned the promised provincial support for infrastructure and amenities that accompany increased housing.
Councillor Krista Loughton urged the city to focus efforts on the areas where it is falling short, emphasizing the need for housing that caters to families, moderate-income renters, seniors, and Indigenous residents.
Mayor Marianne Alto pointed out the absence of mandates for shelters within the housing targets and stressed that current successes are built on the work of previous councils, cautioning against complacency. Councillor Stephen Hammond expressed concern that the push for new housing might lead to the demolition of existing affordable homes, advocating for more compassionate development.
Pipeline and Approvals
Staff reports indicate a robust pipeline of new housing, with 4,382 units approved since October 1, 2024. The city has approved all housing applications that have come before council during this period, though some project applications were withdrawn and later resubmitted with more units.
