Surrey, B.C. (Richa Walia): CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko has unveiled a housing platform focused on improving affordability, accelerating construction and expanding rental options across British Columbia, promising to measure progress through publicly reported targets.
The proposed plan centres on reducing delays in housing approvals, increasing the supply of below-market homes and lowering costs associated with building new rental properties. Sturko said the party wants to make it more realistic for British Columbians to find housing that fits their budgets.
Under the proposal, a CentreBC government would introduce provincewide standards for housing approvals by January 1, 2028, with the aim of addressing delays that can hold up residential development.
The party also plans to double the BC Builds program, with a target of delivering 20,000 below-market homes by 2031. The initiative is intended to widen access to housing for people who face difficulty finding homes at affordable prices.
Another major commitment would be to reduce development cost charges by 50 per cent on new rental and below-market housing projects. CentreBC proposes providing $240 million annually to a provincial growth fund that municipalities could apply to, with the party estimating that the changes could save up to $40,000 per home in high-cost communities.
To encourage the construction of additional rental properties, the plan also proposes a provincial sales tax rebate on building materials used in new purpose-built rental buildings containing four or more homes. The party says the measure would help reduce upfront construction expenses and support the expansion of the rental supply.
For existing renters, CentreBC has proposed raising the annual renter’s tax credit to $600, putting more money back into household budgets as housing costs continue to be a concern for many residents.
The party has also pledged to publish a public scorecard every three months, outlining its commitments, timelines and progress. The proposed reporting system would allow British Columbians to track whether the housing targets are being met.
Sturko said the platform is built around practical measures, fiscal responsibility and making the province a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.
Further details about the party’s commitments are available on CentreBC’s website at www.centrebc.ca/platform.
