Vancouver (Richa Walia): British Columbia is notably absent from the federal government’s first wave of housing construction on public land, prompting concern from the province’s housing minister, Christine Boyle, despite her support for the broader initiative.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced over the weekend that the federal government, through its newly launched Build Canada Homes agency, will begin construction of 4,000 housing units across six federal land sites. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to fast-track affordable housing by using underutilized government-owned land.
However, none of the six projects announced are located in British Columbia — a province grappling with some of the country’s most severe housing shortages and highest home prices.
Minister Boyle Responds
In a written statement released Monday, Minister Christine Boyle, who took over the housing portfolio in July, acknowledged the federal initiative as a “good start” but expressed disappointment that B.C. wasn’t included in the first phase.
“British Columbia has an abundance of shovel-ready affordable housing projects,” Boyle stated. “We are eager to hear how and when federal funding and land will be allocated to projects in our province.”
Boyle emphasized that B.C. has already identified multiple viable sites and is prepared to move quickly once federal support is secured.
Federal Sites in B.C. Remain Untouched
While B.C. was excluded from the initial rollout, the Canada Public Land Bank lists at least three federal properties in the province considered suitable for housing development — two in Metro Vancouver and one in Vernon.
These properties, part of a broader inventory of 88 surplus sites nationwide, were expected to be contenders in Build Canada Homes’ early stages. Their omission raises questions about the criteria used for the initial site selection.
Calls for Greater Inclusion in Future Phases
Boyle reiterated her commitment to working collaboratively with Ottawa, saying she would continue engaging with her federal counterpart to ensure B.C. is not overlooked in future announcements.
“Affordable housing is a national crisis, and we’re glad to see federal land being put to use,” she said. “But we need to make sure British Columbia — where the need is urgent and growing — is a key partner in the solution.”
A National Crisis, A Local Pressure Point
British Columbia, particularly the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver, has long struggled with housing affordability. Skyrocketing rents, limited supply, and a growing population have put immense pressure on municipal and provincial governments.
Housing advocates say that for federal programs to have meaningful impact, provinces like B.C. — where the housing crunch is most acute — must be prioritized in the allocation of land and funds.
What’s Next for Build Canada Homes?
The six sites announced by Carney are located in Dartmouth, Longueuil, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, and are expected to support factory-built, mixed-income housing communities. These projects mark the start of what the federal government says will be a long-term, scaled-up effort to double housing construction across the country.
Further project announcements are expected in the coming months as Build Canada Homes ramps up operations. The federal government has indicated that the $13-billion agency will continue working with provinces, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to identify new sites and partnerships.
Boyle and her ministry say they’re ready — and waiting — to be part of that next round.
