CUMBERLAND – New Democrat MLAs Ronna-Rae Leonard and Josie Osborne say local governments are receiving funding that will help them implement new provincial legislation to build more homes for people faster.

“While local governments throughout our region work to get more housing built and improve the infrastructure and services we rely on, this funding from the provincial government shows our continued support and commitment to working together to get people the things they need,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA for Courtenay-Comox

In the mid-Island region, the following local governments are receiving funding:

• Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, $142,686
• Courtenay, $235,396
• Comox, $218,967
• Comox Valley Regional District, $230,510
• Cumberland, $171,270
• Port Alberni, $237,804
• Tofino, $161,467
• Ucluelet, $160,031

“Affordable housing is one of the issues I hear about most often from community members, and one of our government’s biggest areas of collaboration with local government partners,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “This funding will help support local governments in our region to continue working hard to improve approvals processes, update policies and bylaws, and help create more homes faster for people.”

In response to the new provincial housing legislation passed in 2023, the New Democratic government is providing $51 million to 188 local governments to help them meet the new requirements.

This money will be used to improve planning, development and reporting processes, hire new staff and consultants and help governing bodies become more efficient at approving housing. Smaller communities will especially benefit from this funding as they have fewer resources to make changes.

This funding is part of a historic $19 billion housing investment by the provincial government. Since 2017, more than 77,000 homes have been delivered or are underway across B.C.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HOUS0006-000051