B.C. steadfast on housing targets despite municipal pushback [Video]

A total of 30 cities, towns and villages are now on a quota list meant to spur new housing in communities where residents are struggling to live, and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon is not deterred by those such as New Westminster, which says it’s being unfairly targeted.

“I’m calling BS on the priority list,” said New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone at a media event in his city on Tuesday. “This government has to stop pointing fingers and start doing its job to get housing built.” 

New Westminster and 19 other municipalities were added to a list of 10 cities, originally named in June 2023, that must meet higher housing targets over a five-year period.

The list of 30, could expand even further as the province’s Housing Supply Act gives Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon the power to order housing targets for as many as 47 municipalities.

Johnstone said he was “stunned” to learn his …