Bridging the Divide: Involving the Construction Sector to Combat Vancouver Island’s Housing Crisis

Written by Rory Kulmala, Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA).

In many communities across Vancouver Island, the spectre of a housing crisis looms large, casting a shadow over the aspirations and livelihoods of many. As policymakers grapple with the complexities of supply and demand imbalances, one critical voice remains conspicuously absent from the conversation—the construction and development community. This exclusion is not just a misstep; it's a fundamental flaw in the approach to tackling the housing crisis.?

The lack of affordable housing options on the island is not a mystery. It's a problem born out of various factors, chief among them being the inadequate supply of housing to meet the burgeoning demand. However, addressing this issue requires more than just acknowledging its existence and trying to create a policy-driven solution; it demands a comprehensive strategy that engages all stakeholders, including those directly involved in the construction and development of housing.?

By neglecting to invite the construction and development community to the broader discussion on housing supply, policymakers are essentially sidelining the very individuals and entities with the expertise and resources needed to enact meaningful change. These professionals possess invaluable insights into the practicalities of building and financing housing projects, as well as the regulatory hurdles that often stymie development efforts.?

Furthermore, excluding the construction sector from the conversation sends a disheartening message —a message that their contributions and perspectives are not valued in the pursuit of solutions to the housing crisis. Such marginalization impedes collaboration and hinders progress towards sustainable housing solutions.?

Moreover, government bureaucracy has played a significant role in hindering affordability. Cumbersome zoning regulations, lengthy permit approval processes, and fanatical NIMBYism all contribute to delays and increased costs in housing development. Without input from the construction sector, policymakers may remain unaware of the real-world implications of these bureaucratic hurdles, further exacerbating the crisis.?

Inclusivity should be the cornerstone of any effort aimed at resolving the housing crisis. Policymakers must recognize the construction and development community as essential partners in this endeavour, inviting them to the table to contribute their expertise, insights, and innovative ideas. Collaboration between government officials, community stakeholders, and industry professionals is paramount to crafting holistic and effective solutions.?

Furthermore, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are exchanged freely and diverse perspectives are embraced can lead to more innovative approaches to housing development. The construction and development sector is ripe with creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, and tapping into this resource can yield novel solutions that may not have been considered otherwise.?

To address the housing crisis on Vancouver Island, it's time to break down silos and bridge the gap between policymakers and the construction and development community. Meaningful progress requires collective action, with all stakeholders working together towards a common goal. By inviting the construction sector to the broader discussion on housing supply, Victoria can move closer to realizing a future where safe, affordable housing is accessible to all residents. Anything less would be a disservice to the city and its people.?