Building Links Blog
Read our blog to stay informed on the news for the construction and real estate industry for the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Comox, Port Alberni, Powell River, Tofino and Vancouver Island. Stay connected to get connected!
Decline in BC Construction in Around Town
Your Weekly Construction Briefing
Last week, BC Stats released their Building Permits Highlights report for the first half of 2023.
(more…)Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News
In this Week’s Issue of Building Links
- Port Alberni: City seeking contractor to demolish buildings on the former Sawmill site.
- Comox Valley Regional District: Proposed new NHL size ice surface with spectator seating, dressing rooms, and walking track.
- Campbell River: Council considering recreational vehicles for year-round occupancy.
New Rental Building 100% GST Rebate in Around Town
Your Weekly Construction Briefing
On September 14, the Prime Minister announced that the government will introduce legislation to enhance the GST Rental Rebate from 36 per cent to 100 per cent on new purpose-built rental housing, to incentivize construction of rental units.
(more…)Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News
In this Week’s Issue of Building Links
- Powell River: Bylaw updates to allow for modular homes
- Comox Valley, Strathcona: Increasing Tipping Fees in 2024
- Campbell River: Proposed 47+ unit townhome development
Real Estate Market Update in Around Town
Your Weekly Construction Briefing
Last month, 324 single-family homes sold in the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) area, a seven per cent increase from one year ago (304) and down 21 per cent from July 2023 (414). Sales of condo apartments came in at 85 units, increasing by 29 per cent from August 2022. In the row/townhouse category, 77 units sold, up by 51 per cent.
(more…)Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News
In this Week’s Issue of Building Links
- Port Alberni: 13 demolition permits for buildings on Somass Lands.
- Cumberland: Development Permit approved for a 22-unit affordable rental housing project.
- Saratoga Beach: Application under review for 544 units with a mix of single family, suites and carriage homes.
Lumber prices update in Around
Your Weekly Construction Briefing
Last week’s price of benchmark lumber commodity item WSPF 2×4 hit US$420 MFBM, close to matching that of two years ago at $439. Compared to US$624 during the same week last year.
(more…)Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News
In this Week’s Issue of Building Links
- Port Alberni: proposed Townhouse zone for 44′ x 125′ lots
- Courtenay: proposed 24 unit apartment building
- Campbell River: construction tender for 6 new childcare centres
Port Alberni: proposed Townhouse zone for 44′ x 125′ lots.
Council is considering a new TH1 Townhouse Multi-Family zone that would create opportunities for ‘missing middle’ housing in the Southport Neighbourhood, along with OCP design guidelines to regulate this type of development. Zoning Bylaw regulations also currently do not align with the dimensions of many “historically created” lots in the Southport area. Specifically, lot sizes and frontages are too small to permit development without a variance or rezoning application. This is a barrier to housing development, and is placing a greater administrative burden on staff and Council. There are approximately 341 lots in the City with the 44′ x 125′ dimensions, that could be suitable for several types of infill multi housing projects. All but one of these lots are located in the Southport area, with 80 located within the Uptown District. A public hearing for the first project to be considered under the new zoning, a fourplex at 2466 4th Street, will occur on May 23. Approval for this project will help pave the way for similar projects.
Courtenay: proposed 24 unit apartment building.
A development permit application has been submitted for a 24 unit residential rental project on Piercy Street across from the city works yard. The City adopted a rezoning amendment for the property in April. As proposed, the applicant intends to build 24 units in two, two-storey buildings running front-to-back on the property with twenty parking spots, 24 secure bicycle spots and 12 visitor bicycle spots. Units will include four studio, five one-bedroom, and 15 two-bedrooms. Parking will be accessed through the laneway at the back of the building, and the developer will be rebuilding and paving the full width of the lane along the property and to the entrance of 10th Street prior to building occupancy. The .586 acre property currently contains a vacant 1000 sq.ft. single family home and shop and was purchased in March 2021 for $497,500.
Campbell River: construction tender for 6 new childcare centres.
The Board of Education of School District No.72 (SD72) invites proposals from qualified construction firms for the construction of six childcare centres on SD72 properties within the Campbell River region. Anticipated Contract Award June 6, 2023. A non-mandatory site meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 16 starting at 9:30 am at Ocean Grove Elementary followed by the remainder of sites. Ocean Grove Elementary, Sandowne Elementary, Pinecrest Elementary, Cedar Elementary, Ripple Rock Elementary, Quadra Elementary. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to attend site meetings to fully understand the scope of the projects. This tender closes May 26.
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Community Housing Funding through BC Housing in Around Town
Your Weekly Construction Briefing
The B.C. government has announced it will fund the construction of 3,500 new affordable rental homes through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund (CHF).
(more…)Your Weekly North Vancouver Island Construction News
In this Week’s Issue of Building Links
- Tofino: Mackenzie Beach Road improvements
- Comox: Proposed 16 duplex units in 8 buildings
- Campbell River: RFP for replacing the ferry terminal
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