British Columbia’s population has surged due to international growth, particularly from international students and workers, straining housing supply. Over 80% of newcomers settle in Metro Vancouver, Victoria, the Fraser Valley, and the Central Okanagan. Despite a near-record 3% population growth last year, new housing has yet to keep up. By 2030, British Columbia could have a housing shortfall of 610,000 units. Mayors warn of the high cost of supporting population growth, including transit, sewer systems, schools, and healthcare, and the challenges of getting developers to build affordable housing. The provincial government’s legislation to increase housing density has received mixed responses, with some mayors fearing it will not improve affordability and strain city resources. The mayors unanimously agreed that increasing housing supply does not necessarily lead to affordability.
