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Advocacy Trends in Construction

The construction industry is constantly evolving. Staying informed on current trends, emerging issues, government policies, and economic developments is essential to understanding how changes may impact the construction industry, our workers, suppliers, and manufactures. VICA will work hard at exploring the everchanging economy and to our industry informed for those living on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

Three Priorities for a More Resilient Construction Industry

The construction industry is essential to the economic strength and growth of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. It delivers the homes, infrastructure, businesses and public facilities our communities depend on.

To meet growing demand and strengthen our communities, VICA is calling for collaboration between industry, local governments and senior governments around three key priorities:

1. Workforce Shortages

A shortage of skilled trades and experienced professionals is limiting the industry’s capacity and delaying projects. We need to:

  • expand training and apprenticeship opportunities
  • promote construction careers
  • strengthen partnerships with educators and Indigenous communities
  • support workforce housing
  • advocate for increased trades training and immigration pathways

2. Rising Cost of Building

Increasing material, financing, regulatory, tax, fee and development costs are making it more difficult to deliver housing and infrastructure. Municipalities can help by:

  • ensuring fees and charges are competitive
  • being more transparent and predictable
  • reducing unnecessary regulatory complexity
  • improving coordination
  • working with industry to secure infrastructure funding that helps unlock housing and employment lands

3. Permitting Timelines

Lengthy and inconsistent permitting processes increase costs, create uncertainty and delay housing and infrastructure. Municipalities can improve outcomes through:

  • clear service standards
  • transparent performance tracking
  • adequate staffing
  • digital permitting
  • concurrent reviews
  • streamlined approvals and regular collaboration with industry.

Working Together

This is not an “us versus them” issue. The construction industry and local governments share the same goal: building complete, sustainable and affordable communities.

Through collaboration, transparency and practical policy improvements, we can:

  • Deliver more housing
  • Build critical infrastructure faster
  • Support economic growth
  • Create high-quality careers
  • Strengthen communities across Vancouver Island and beyond

VICA is committed to working with municipalities and governments at all levels to find practical solutions that help our communities grow and prosper.