No one likes being told what to do, especially if you’ve been on your best behaviour.
When the province began its campaign to tackle the housing crisis at the municipal level, wielding construction targets and zoning rules, it’s no surprise that West Vancouver balked.
With so many in the district attached to their community of detached homes, council has gone on the defensive, resisting provincial policy at nearly every turn.
But just an R2 ride away in the City of North Vancouver, there’s a different story. Even by the B.C. government’s own metrics, CNV has been leading the region on building new homes.
For some, that the city should receive housing targets and deadlines, just like “naughty-list” districts, was a bitter pill to swallow.
Mayor Linda Buchanan didn’t hesitate to trumpet her displeasure when the targets came last year, and she continues to echo her aversion to being strong-armed.
When council moved toward green-lighting four-plexes on single-family lots last week, Buchanan said her city is best equipped to decide what’s right for its future.
We believe she’s correct. However, it’s a looming provincial deadline that’s forcing the city to update its official community plan on an expedited basis.
That will bring more units and more affordability sooner, and it gives homeowners and developers clarity in the short term.
In a crisis, it can be best to do what you’re told – even when you’re not a part of the problem.
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