Skip to content

Current Priorities

VICA VOTES: CONSTRUCTION ELECTION PRIORITIES

Construction is essential to the communities and economy of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast. To deliver the housing, infrastructure and economic growth our communities need, VICA is calling for action on three critical challenges.

1. Workforce Shortages

A shortage of skilled trades and experienced professionals is increasing costs, extending project timelines and limiting the industry’s capacity to deliver.

VICA is calling for:

  • – Expanded skilled trades training and apprenticeship opportunities
  • – Greater exposure to construction careers in schools
  • -Stronger partnerships with industry, Indigenous communities and post-secondary institutions
  • – Immigration pathways that prioritize skilled construction workers
  • – Workforce housing that allows workers to live in the communities where they work

2. Rising Cost of Building

Tariffs, inflation, materials, financing, regulations, taxes, municipal fees and development charges are putting increasing pressure on project viability.

VICA is calling for:

  • – Competitive, transparent and predictable municipal fees and charges
  • – Restraint on new or increased fees during periods of economic uncertainty
  • – Phased implementation when new charges are unavoidable
  • – Reduced regulatory complexity and duplication
  • – Greater senior government investment in infrastructure
  • – Infrastructure investment that unlocks housing and employment lands
    – Encourage all municipalities to advocate to provincial and federal governments to remove all inter- provincial trade barriers.

3. Municipal Timelines

Lengthy and inconsistent approval processes increase costs, create uncertainty and delay housing, commercial development and critical infrastructure.

VICA is calling for:

  • – Clear service standards and measurable approval timelines.
    – Adequately staffed permitting departments.
    – Modern digital permitting systems.
    – Better coordination between municipal departments.
    – Concurrent reviews and streamlined approvals.
    – Regular industry-municipal working groups to identify improvements.

Working Together

VICA and local governments share a common goal: building strong, sustainable and affordable communities. This is not an industry-versus-government issue. Through collaboration, practical policy and greater certainty, we can reduce barriers to construction, support investment and deliver the projects our communities need.

Our Ask of Municipal Leaders

VICA is asking municipal leaders to work with the construction industry to:

  • – Encourage all municipalities to advocate to provincial and federal governments to remove all inter- provincial trade barriers.
    – Improve permitting timelines and accountability
  • – Review the cumulative impact of fees, regulations and approval processes
  • – Support workforce development
  • – Prioritize infrastructure that enables growth
  • – Meet regularly with industry to identify challenges and practical solutions