Critics say B.C. housing bill takes aim at local governance

A B.C. bill that has passed second reading in the legislature is raising the ire of planners and other housing experts who say it will erode local governance – and give project approval power to developers.

If Bill M216 passes third reading, a housing project submission approved by certified engineers and architects who’ve been hired by developers would get rubber-stamped without city staff review. The only exception, according to the bill, is if the submission is incomplete. There would also be a dispute process through the province.