Several local governments on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast are sharing $9 million in provincial funding to help speed up housing approvals.
The province has awarded $9 million in grants to 56 local governments through the Local Government Development Approvals Program, administered by the Union of B.C. Municipalities. The funding is intended to help municipalities improve internal processes and streamline development approvals.
The province said the funding will help move projects forward, including prefabricated, modular and standardized housing designs.
“Our focus from the start has been on helping people across B.C. find housing that fits their needs and budgets. That can look very different in different communities,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “With the Local Government Development Approvals Program, local governments can improve their internal processes and development approvals, so that we can speed up the delivery of homes for people living and working in B.C.”
Local recipients include Powell River, which received $19,810.72, North Cowichan with $49,680, and the City of Comox, the City of Courtenay and the Village of Cumberland, each of which received $200,000.
The Islands Trust also received more than $46,000 through the program.
