Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver and Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon Unveil Policy Changes to Boost Home Building
Alberta’s housing market is undergoing a transformation as the government introduces new measures aimed at accelerating housing development. In a recent announcement, Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver and Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon outlined a series of policy changes designed to spur more home building across the province.
Minister McIver highlighted the critical need for affordable and attainable housing in Alberta. He emphasized the importance of addressing housing challenges, given the significant influx of families moving to the province. Minister Nixon echoed these sentiments, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring housing remains accessible to all Albertans.
The proposed changes encompass a range of initiatives spanning legislative amendments and regulatory updates. Minister McIver delved into the details, outlining the key components of the government’s plan. Central to the announcement is Bill 20, which includes updates to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) aimed at facilitating housing development.
One of the significant amendments proposed under Bill 20 is the full exemption of non-profit subsidized affordable housing from municipal and education property taxes. Minister McIver stressed the importance of this blanket property tax exemption, emphasizing its role in making housing more affordable for Albertans. The exemption is intended to incentivize investment in affordable housing projects while reducing financial barriers for non-profit organizations.
Additionally, the government is updating the MGA to mandate municipalities to offer digital options for public hearings about planning and development. This move aims to enhance public participation in the decision-making process while streamlining procedures to expedite housing projects. Minister McIver emphasized the importance of timely decision-making by municipalities, highlighting measures to limit unnecessary public hearings and non-statutory studies for building permits.
In parallel to the legislative changes, Minister McIver outlined updates to the Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) program guidelines. These updates expand the criteria to include the capital costs of privately owned affordable or attainable housing projects. The CRL program, a planning and financing tool, allows municipalities to reinvest property tax revenues into redevelopment initiatives. By broadening the scope of eligible projects, the government aims to provide municipalities with additional resources to address housing needs at the local level.
The announcement also addressed updates to city charters in Calgary and Edmonton, focusing on removing potential barriers to housing development. Minister McIver highlighted amendments related to off-site levies and inclusionary housing provisions, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability in the development process. Additionally, the government plans to repeal the authority of Edmonton and Calgary to create bylaws related to building codes and energy efficiency standards. This move aims to align building regulations across the province while reducing administrative burdens for developers.
Following the presentation, Minister Nixon emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing housing supply and streamlining construction processes. He underscored the positive impact of the proposed measures, citing a significant increase in housing starts observed in the province. Minister Nixon emphasized the importance of collaboration with municipalities and industry stakeholders to achieve housing affordability goals.
Representatives from the building and land development industry expressed support for the government’s initiatives, emphasizing the need for a transparent and predictable regulatory framework. They commended the government for recognizing the critical need to address housing affordability and pledged collaboration to turn policies into actionable solutions.
In the subsequent Q&A session, ministers addressed inquiries from the media regarding consultation with municipalities and the fiscal implications of the proposed measures. Minister McIver reiterated the government’s commitment to consulting with municipalities and expressed optimism about their cooperation. Minister Nixon emphasized the potential cost savings associated with housing initiatives and underscored the broader social benefits of affordable housing.
In conclusion, the government’s announcement marks a significant step towards addressing housing affordability in Alberta. By introducing legislative amendments and regulatory updates, the government aims to stimulate housing development, enhance public participation, and ensure housing remains accessible to all Albertans.