June 19, 2026 – Vancouver Island, B.C. – The Canadian Home Builders' Association of Vancouver Island (CHBA VI) welcomes the announcement of a new partnership between the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia aimed at accelerating housing construction, reducing development costs, and investing in critical community infrastructure.

The agreement includes significant investments through the federal Build Communities Strong Fund, including funding to help reduce development charges for multi-unit housing projects, expand housing-enabling infrastructure such as water and wastewater systems, and support community growth across British Columbia.

For homebuilders and communities across Vancouver Island, the announcement recognizes a growing challenge facing housing delivery: the rising cost of infrastructure and development-related fees.

"The announcement is encouraging news for homebuilders, municipalities, and families looking for attainable housing across British Columbia," said Jamie Kuhn, President of CHBA Vancouver Island. "On Vancouver Island, rising development costs, including Development Cost Charges and infrastructure requirements, have become significant barriers to housing delivery and project feasibility. Investments that help communities fund critical infrastructure while reducing the cost burden on new housing have the potential to make a meaningful difference."

The Association notes that while the funding commitment is significant, the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on implementation.

"What matters now is how these measures translate into real-world outcomes," said Kuhn. "The housing sector will be looking closely at program design, eligibility requirements, rollout timelines, and whether the funding can be deployed efficiently enough to support housing delivery where it is needed most."

CHBA Vancouver Island also sees opportunities for governments to build on this momentum through additional affordability measures.

"We also see an opportunity to go further," added Kuhn. "Expanding GST relief for new home buyers would further improve housing attainability while helping stimulate the construction of much-needed housing across the country."

The Association believes that reducing development costs, streamlining approvals, investing in infrastructure, and supporting homeownership must work together to address housing affordability challenges across the province.

"CHBA Vancouver Island remains committed to working with all levels of government to reduce barriers, increase housing supply, and create the conditions necessary to bring more attainable homes to market," said Kuhn.

As details of the federal-provincial partnership emerge, CHBA Vancouver Island will continue to engage with government officials, municipal leaders, and industry partners to ensure the programs achieve their intended goal of delivering more homes, faster, for British Columbians.

About CHBA Vancouver Island

The Canadian Home Builders' Association of Vancouver Island represents the residential construction industry across Vancouver Island, advocating for policies that support housing affordability, housing supply, industry professionalism, and sustainable community growth.