New West mayor abstains from housing legislation letter
Sixteen mayors from British Columbia's Lower Mainland have formally objected to provincial housing legislation in a letter to the premier, but the mayor of New Westminster was not among them, citing different reasons for his past and present disagreements with the province. This division among municipal leaders highlights different views on how to address the region's housing challenges.
In a letter dated November 28, the group of 16 mayors requested that the provincial government repeal legislation related to housing targets and increased density near transit. The laws, known as Bill 44 and Bill 47, were passed in 2023 with limited input from local governments, according to the letter's signatories. Bill 44 requires cities to permit between three and six units on lots traditionally zoned for single-family homes. Bill 47 mandates increased density and height near transit hubs, such as SkyTrain stations and major bus exchanges, and reduces parking requirements in these areas.
The mayors who signed the letter, including those from Burnaby, Richmond, and Surrey, argue the legislation is a "one-size-fits-all" approach. They state the laws do not consider the specific geography and market conditions of their communities. The letter also expresses concern that municipalities lack the funds for the necessary infrastructure, such as water, sewer, roads, and parks, to support the new housing. The mayors believe these provincial rules create uncertainty and hold them responsible for factors they cannot control, like the real estate market. The provincial housing minister has stated the government will not be "going backwards" on the policies.
New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone, along with the mayors of Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver, did not sign the letter. At a recent council meeting, Johnstone explained his decision. He stated that fighting a law passed a year and a half ago, which cities are already putting into their official plans, is not a "useful fight to have right now." He distinguished this legislation from the provincial housing supply targets, which he had publicly criticized in April 2024. At that time, Johnstone said it made "no sense" for New Westminster to be on a priority list for housing targets because the city was already a regional leader in approving new housing. He argued the only area where the city was falling short was in subsidized and supportive housing, which requires provincial funding to be built.
Johnstone maintains that his message to the province remains focused on the need for investment in affordable housing and community infrastructure, like schools, to accompany growth. He has indicated that while New Westminster is meeting its initial housing targets, future success is not guaranteed due to market conditions. City councillors in New Westminster have also expressed concerns that the provincial mandates do not require any of the new housing to be affordable and that there is a lack of funding for the community services needed to support a larger population.
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