Civic elections and housing

It has been said before, but cannot be understated, that municipal government and policy have the most direct and profound influence on our day-to-day lives. This Oct. 15, municipal elections will be taking place across B.C. to choose mayors, councils and other municipal officers. These elections will determine the course of affairs for individual municipal governments over the next four years and there has rarely been a time such as this when direction, tone, and culture established by these councils will have more influence on the key issues confronting British Columbians.

Low voter turnout a challenge

Housing availability and affordability, transit, policing and taxes are all key issues on the table in almost every jurisdiction, and the decisions of voters will determine how those issues will be dealt with moving forward. The challenge is that the typical voter turnout for municipal elections has been woefully low.

In the last round of municipal elections, an average of only 34 per cent of eligible voters across Metro Vancouver cast ballots, and several municipalities saw voter turnout at less than 25 per cent. The support for elected officials is typically in the range of 15 per cent or less, and the margin of victory in many Metro races has been measured as close as two to four votes. In some instances, mayors, councillors and others have been acclaimed with no one running against them, and in Peachland in 2018, a tied vote for mayor was decided by drawing a name from a box!

This means that municipal leadership is often representing the perspectives of only one out every six voters – by no means a majority —but these officials dictate the direction of their cities and determine the policies that directly affect our lives.

Housing issues

We have seen housing issues within our cities rise to “crisis” levels regarding affordability and choices to meet the needs of a growing and shifting population. Demand is as high, or higher, than it ever has been with immigration, inter-provincial migration and new household formations driving the need for more supply. Increasing the supply of housing has long been debated, and while not the only factor in establishing an affordable housing market, it is a prerequisite. It is now widely accepted that we are suffering from a “structural housing shortage”, and both the federal and provincial governments have adopted plans to increase and expedite supply.

It is municipalities, however, that are responsible for land-use planning, approvals and permitting, and it has become obvious that this process has for many become dysfunctional, ineffective and reflective of short-sighted and or poor decision making.

Many councils are deeply fragmented and are often pursuing a course of action that is politically motivated, or unduly influenced by special interests that do not represent most voters, and do not reflect the best long-term interests of the community, good planning or good design.

Your vote counts

In many jurisdictions, the number of candidates running for mayor and or councils are quite large, which further sows confusion, fragments the vote and could allow candidates with very thin levels of support to prevail. Therefore, it is essential that voters engage in the municipal election process to become acquainted with the positions and platforms of candidates and make informed decisions on those who would best represent their interests and those of the community. It cannot be understated – ensure your vote is counted in these elections. Your vote counts. Your vote matters.

To check out how the housing industry impacts your community, head to: havan.ca/bringing-it-home/