Dozens of neighbourhood associations from across British Columbia have banded together to form the British Columbia Alliance of Neighbourhoods (BCAN).
BCAN is the first platform of its kind that connects, coordinates, and amplifies voices of neighbourhood groups and associations across British Columbia, and pursues solutions related to sustainability, livability and affordability in collaboration with all levels of government.
BCAN asserts that recent provincial housing strategy is causing irreversible damage to communities across the Province and not achieving its intended purpose. This Alliance demands that the Provincial government restore democracy and the powers of the residents with local government by repealing the current housing legislation.
In a letter addressed to Premier David Eby and Minister Christine Boyle, representatives from BCAN, which includes thousands of residents from various neighbourhood groups, expressed deep concern over recent provincial housing bills, including Bills 44, 46, and 47 and others. The alliance argues these measures were largely shaped by special interests, undermining democratic processes and diminishing local governance.
Key points raised in the letter include:
• Loss of Local Control: Municipal governments are losing authority over essential local concerns such as safety, schools, and infrastructure due to forced compliance with provincial mandates.
• Diminished Accountability: The shift of planning responsibilities to the provincial level erodes municipal accountability and leads to misalignment of community needs.
• Rushed Legislation: The absence of public consultation and input from local governments and from voters/residents/tax payers has led to hastily drafted laws that do not reflect the diverse needs of British Columbians.
• There has been No public consultation and no input from municipal-level governments and their communities. Public consultation is not negotiable in a democratic society.
The ongoing housing crisis, exacerbated by these legislative changes, has not resulted in the promised affordable housing solutions. Instead, it has seen an increase in property valuations and a stagnation in the real estate market.
As such, BCAN is urging the provincial government to take immediate steps, including:
• Repealing Bills: 44, 46, 47, and related legislation to reform the approach to housing.
• Community Involvement: Supporting local community assemblies with their municipal
governments to ensure residents’ voices help guide housing strategies.
• Support for Grassroots Initiatives: Encouraging locally-driven mechanisms that address
housing density and community needs, rather than imposing one-size-fits-all policies.
• Prioritizing Sustainable Growth: Recognizing and respecting the rights of current property owners and engaging communities in sustainable urban planning.
BCAN emphasizes that a healthy governance model for housing growth must prioritize community engagement and local accountability. Municipalities and their residents should actively participate in defining housing targets that align with their specific infrastructure, environmental, and community needs.
According to the letter, BCAN is calling for a reset of BC’s housing strategy that emphasizes fairness, equity, and democracy. They are advocating for legislative reforms that capture the diverse voices of British Columbians and align with proven sustainable, liveable urban design.
BCAN is committed to collaborating with the Provincial government to create a housing strategy that genuinely leverages municipal expertise and local democratic accountability in addressing the housing needs.
The letter was advanced by the BCAN Steering Committee on behalf of neighbourhoods throughout British Columbia.
For more information please contact: info@bcneighbourhoods.com