British Columbia’s housing minister says her government is working with Ottawa to help fund the infrastructure needed as it pushes to build more homes in the province. B.C.’s housing partnership with Ottawa calls for cuts in fees charged to developers that would normally help fund roads, transit, water systems and parks, while municipalities have long complained they don’t have the money to pay for those items. Housing Minister Christine Boyle says the province is talking with the federal government about cutting development costs in high-growth areas, while compensating municipalities so “that local governments aren’t left holding the bag.” Boyle says she has heard the concerns around funding infrastructure from municipalities, but couldn’t say how much money might come from senior governments or where those high-growth areas might be. The housing partnership announced in June will see the federal and B.C. governments match funds over 10 years up to $3.2 billion to lower development charges for multi-housing units by up to 50 per cent in priority communities. Boyle says her government is working on an approach that works for B.C. and final details could be announced in the fall. Fall is also when government plans to release details about plans to convert more than 2,200 unsold condominiums into affordable homes, Boyle says. When first announced, the plan drew criticism as a bailout for developers who couldn’t sell their condominiums, and Boyle declined to give more information as discussions on the idea are ongoing. “Obviously, the details matter on this,” she says. “So, we want to make sure that we are able to bring a full rollout of the plan to the public in the fall, and we are doing that work right now.” The Union of British Columbia Municipalities, which has lobbied for more infrastructure funding, will hold its annual general convention Sept. 14 to 18 in Vancouver, B.C. This report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press, was first published Aug. 6, 2026.
