British Columbia Premier David Eby has announced the construction of 104 new rental homes in Whistler, marking the first project under the BC Builds initiative. This $12.7-million initiative, launched in February 2024, aims to fast-track the delivery of affordable homes across the province.
Speaking at a press conference in Whistler, Premier Eby highlighted the significant demand for housing in the region, particularly for those who work in the tourism and service industries. “Whistler is a place of incredible beauty and opportunity, but the challenge of finding affordable housing has been a longstanding issue for the people who make this community thrive,” said Eby.
The new rental homes will be part of a larger effort to provide sustainable and affordable housing options for middle-income residents. The project is designed to support individuals and families who contribute to Whistler’s vibrant economy but struggle to find reasonably priced accommodations.
Premier Eby praised Whistler’s innovative approach to housing, noting that the municipality’s use of publicly owned land to build affordable housing has been an inspiration for the BC Builds program. “Whistler has shown incredible leadership in addressing housing affordability. This project is a testament to the effective collaboration between the provincial government and local authorities,” he said.
The 104 new homes are the first of four projects announced under BC Builds, which collectively aim to deliver 500 new homes across the province. Premier Eby emphasized that this is just the beginning, with plans to develop thousands more affordable homes on public land throughout British Columbia.
Eby also drew comparisons to successful housing strategies in other parts of the world, including Vienna and Singapore, where government intervention has played a crucial role in providing affordable housing. “By using public land to build affordable homes, we are following a model that has proven successful in some of the world’s most expensive cities,” he explained.
The BC Builds initiative is part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to address housing affordability. The initiative aims to streamline the development process and reduce the time it takes to bring new homes to market. The project in Whistler is expected to set a precedent for similar developments across British Columbia.
In addition to addressing housing affordability, the new development is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Whistler. The construction of the new homes will involve local contractors and suppliers, further benefiting the community.
During the question and answer period, Premier Eby addressed several key issues raised by reporters and residents.
When asked about the timeline for the completion of the Whistler project, Eby stated, “We anticipate that construction will begin later this year, with the homes expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of 2025. Our goal is to expedite the process without compromising on quality.”
Eby was also questioned about the criteria for tenant selection. He explained, “The primary focus will be on middle-income earners who are integral to Whistler’s economy, such as those working in tourism, hospitality, and essential services. We are committed to ensuring that these homes are accessible to those who need them most.”
Addressing concerns about environmental impact, Eby assured, “Sustainability is a core component of this project. We are working with environmental experts to minimize the ecological footprint and incorporate green building practices. Our aim is to create housing that is both affordable and environmentally responsible.”
Eby also responded to questions about the broader scope of the BC Builds initiative. “This is just the first step. We have identified other locations across the province where similar projects will be initiated. Our objective is to deliver a significant number of affordable homes over the next few years to address the housing crisis comprehensively.”
The BC Builds initiative represents a significant investment in the future of British Columbia, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable housing market. Premier Eby concluded his remarks by expressing his commitment to continuing the province’s efforts to tackle housing challenges and improve the quality of life for all residents.
“As we break ground on this first project, we are taking a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone in British Columbia has access to safe, affordable housing. This is about building a brighter future for our communities,” Eby said.
The provincial government plans to monitor the progress of the Whistler project closely and apply any lessons learned to future developments under the BC Builds initiative. With the success of this first project, the government hopes to inspire other municipalities to adopt similar approaches to address their housing needs.