New B.C.-wide group calls for return of local decision-making on housing | Daily Hive

Example of a multiplex residential structure. (City of Burnaby)

A newly formed province-wide coalition of neighbourhood associations is calling on the Government of British Columbia to repeal several recent pieces of housing legislation, arguing the policies have undermined local democracy and failed to deliver promised affordability.

The British Columbia Alliance of Neighbourhoods (BCAN) brings together dozens of neighbourhood groups from communities across the province, asserting they represent thousands of residents across the groups.

The alliance says it aims to coordinate and amplify local voices on housing, sustainability, livability, and affordability, while working collaboratively with governments.

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In a new letter sent to Premier David Eby and B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Christine Boyle, BCAN representatives expressed concern over Bill 44 for Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH), Bill 47 for Transit-Oriented Areas (TOAs), Bill 46 for development financing, including the new Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) tool replacing negotiation-based public benefits, and other bills.

They contend that the measures that increase residential densification and impact the provision of community amenities were developed without meaningful public consultation and have shifted decision-making power away from municipal governments and residents.

This includes abolishing public hearings for rezoning applications for proposals that already align with the City’s Official Community Plan (OCP). This was eliminated by the provincial government due to the perceived redundancy of re-contesting built form, density, and uses already enabled by the OCP.

The alliance argues that the legislation has weakened local control over issues such as infrastructure, schools, and public safety, while reducing accountability by centralizing planning authority at the provincial level. BCAN also claims the rapid rollout of the bills did not adequately consider the diverse needs of communities across the province.

While the provincial government’s housing policy changes were rolled out only two years ago, the group argues that the wide range of policies, prescriptions, and stipulations has not improved affordability — and may have worsened it.

“BCAN asserts that recent provincial housing strategy is causing irreversible damage to communities across the Province and not achieving its intended purpose,” reads a statement from the group on Friday.

BCAN is urging the provincial government to repeal the contested legislation and reset its housing strategy. The alliance is calling for greater community involvement in housing decisions, support for locally driven planning initiatives, and housing targets that reflect local infrastructure and environmental realities. It also emphasizes the need to respect the rights of existing property owners while pursuing sustainable growth.

The alliance says it is open to working with the provincial government to develop a revised housing strategy that balances affordability with local accountability and democratic participation.

This follows a joint letter sent by 16 Metro Vancouver mayors in late November 2025, in which they raised similar concerns about provincial housing legislation and urged the provincial government to roll back the policies.

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