Newfoundland and Labrador’s housing sector is gearing up for a busy year following a challenging summer marked by wildfires that exacerbated existing housing shortages. An executive from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Kelly Rogers, expressed concerns over the impact of the fires, causing setbacks in new developments with issues such as insurance denials, delayed closings, and restrictions on construction activities.
Rogers highlighted the shortage of skilled labor as a significant barrier and suggested that immigration could help alleviate this shortfall. To address these challenges, the Home Builders’ Association is working on a proposal for a contractor registry with specific requirements, which Rogers plans to discuss with premier-designate Tony Wakeham.
During the Progressive Conservative election campaign, Wakeham made pledges related to housing, including a commitment to construct 10,000 new homes over the next five years. The party’s platform also aims to streamline regulations for new home constructions and redevelopments.
Rogers emphasized the importance of diversifying housing options, such as higher density homes and multi-unit structures, as well as exploring modular construction methods. She also stressed the need to address housing affordability, citing development charges and strict municipal regulations as factors that drive up construction costs.
According to the PC platform, Wakeham’s housing plan focuses on ensuring that housing costs do not exceed 30% of individuals’ incomes, aiming to provide safe and affordable housing for all. Rogers expressed readiness to collaborate with Wakeham, emphasizing a shared goal of expanding housing options and tackling affordability challenges.