Innovative, Affordable, and Sustainable Housing for British Columbia

Modular BC: A Scalable Solution to the Housing Crisis

Strategic Housing Plan: The Province of British Columbia’s new housing strategy has four main priorities:

Unlocking more homes, faster.

Delivering better, more affordable homes.

Homes for People Plan: The plan will deliver homes more quickly, build vibrant communities, and includes:

Standardized Designs

Supporting those with the greatest housing need.

Quicker permitting.

Creating a housing market that works for people.

A Key Solution

Modular Housing in BC: BC’s Modular Industry is a proven model for affordable, environmentally conscious building.

  • Provides immediate impact by expediting permitting and reducing infrastructure demands.

  • Environmental Benefits:

    • 43% reduction in emissions compared to traditional site construction.

    • 50-70% reduction in construction waste.

    • Potential for carbon-neutral homes through renewable energy.

  • Economic Impact:

Role of Mayors and Local Communities

The Mayors Task Force will offer a city perspective acting as a voice for municipalities, support this provincial standardization program by acting as a conduit to Municipalities and help deliver the Factory Modular Standardization program quickly. A group of like minded individuals ensure that Communities across the Province are part of this made in BC Program.

Building a Sustainable, Affordable Future

  • Impact on Housing Crisis:
    An investment in BC’s Factory Modular Industry is a significant tool in helping get more affordable homes out quicker ensuring a stable, long-term supply of affordable homes. It sets the stage for future export opportunities and can serve as a model for other regions.

  • Minimal Impact on Local Infrastructure:

    Modular homes are standardized, reducing the burden on local infrastructure and city planning, allowing for faster construction and delivery.

  • Flexibility for Developers and Homeowners:

    Modular housing provides an affordable, flexible solution to high land costs and multigenerational living needs, turning homeowners into potential developers.

Addressing Current Challenges

  • Increasing Housing Supply: Traditional housing projects often take years, with long timelines and complex designs. Municipalities face a shortage of planners and inspectors, leading to delays.

  • Construction Trade Shortages:

    • Labour shortages in BC's construction industry are a significant barrier to meeting housing goals.

      • 77% of employers have raised wages in the past year.

      • The number of tradespeople has dropped 7% over five years, and 38,000 veteran builders are set to retire by 2032.

  • Meeting Housing Targets: Current projections by CMHC suggest 500,000 to 700,000 housing units are needed by 2030 to restore housing affordability. The growing BC population will further pressure housing resources and trades.

Modular BC: Addressing Barriers and Building a Foundation

  • Key Barriers: Over the past two years, the Modular BC Advocacy Team has identified and addressed barriers to modular housing, including stigma, permitting challenges, and communication gaps between municipalities and building officials.

  • Solutions and Initiatives:

    • The team has developed:

      • Education programs to promote modular housing.

      • Modular By-Law Reference Documents and Permitting Checklists to streamline processes and reduce delays.

  • Modular BC's Role in Homes for People: The modular industry supports the Homes for People plan by increasing the supply of affordable homes quickly and efficiently. It also creates jobs and fosters investment across BC, from urban to rural communities.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

  • Carbon-Neutral Future: Modular BC is key to BC’s transition to a carbon-neutral future, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.

  • Environmental Benefits: Modular homes significantly reduce emissions and construction waste, aligning with BC’s climate goals and offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction.

Long-Term Economic and Social Benefits

  • Job Creation: Expanding the modular sector will create stable, well-paying jobs in manufacturing plants throughout BC, particularly in affordable communities, supporting local economies.

  • A Vision for the Future: Ongoing investment in modular construction will drive sustainable, affordable housing and economic growth, creating opportunities in every part of BC.

A Made-in-BC Solution

  • Modular BC represents a key solution to BC’s housing crisis, driving environmental sustainability, economic growth, and job creation across the province.

  • By investing in this sector, we address immediate housing needs and build a foundation for scalable, affordable housing solutions for the future.

  • Together, we can create a more sustainable, affordable, and prosperous future for all communities in British Columbia.