National

B.C. shuts door on secondary-suite incentive program over 'uncertain financial times'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Mar, 2025 03:02 PM

The British Columbia government says it is cancelling an incentive program meant to entice more homeowners to build secondary suites, saying the decision is "due to uncertain financial times."

The government says in a statement that the pilot program won't accept applications after March 31.

It says the federal government's commitment to implement a similar program was also a factor, and B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon says they didn't want to duplicate programs.

Qualified homeowners in the pilot would have received construction costs for a new suite to a maximum of $40,000 in the form of a forgivable loan, while the federal government program, when it’s launched, would allow for low-interest loans of up to $80,000.

Kahlon says the province faces "uncertain economic conditions and an unpredictable tariff situation with the United States," so they are making sure they deliver the best value for housing.

The government says applicants who have started the process in the incentive program and who have all necessary permits and cost estimates will be able to submit their application until the end of the month.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

GDP per capita falls for sixth straight quarter, economists split on rate cut size

The Canadian economy shrank on a per-person basis for a sixth consecutive quarter as higher interest rates continued to weigh on business investment. Statistics Canada’s gross domestic product report said the economy grew at an annualized rate of one per cent in the third quarter, down from 2.2 per cent in the second quarter.

GDP per capita falls for sixth straight quarter, economists split on rate cut size

Trudeau noncommittal on expanding rebate beyond 'working Canadians'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not appear willing to budge on his plan to send a $250 rebate to "hardworking Canadians," despite pressure from the opposition to give the money to seniors and people who are not able to work.

Trudeau noncommittal on expanding rebate beyond 'working Canadians'

Winter storm watch issued as snow, heavy rain expected for B.C. coast

The storm is expected to start tonight and persist until Sunday. More heavy snow is expected in the inland sections of the north coast — including Stewart, which has already received 40 to 55 cm of snow this week — with up to 40 cm more expected between Saturday night and Monday.

Winter storm watch issued as snow, heavy rain expected for B.C. coast

BC Ferries CEO floats prospect that fares may rise 30% or more in 2028

The CEO of BC Ferries is warning the company may need to increase fares by 30 per cent or more in 2028, when the current fare structure expires. Nicolas Jimenez says in a written statement the corporation had forecast last year that such a price rise would be needed to keep up with operating and capital costs, but costs since then have spiked, including a 40 per cent jump in shipbuilding expenses.

BC Ferries CEO floats prospect that fares may rise 30% or more in 2028

Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says

The union representing Canada Post workers says the Crown corporation has been laying off striking employees as the labour action by more than 55,000 workers approaches the two-week mark. In a notice to members posted Monday, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers called the layoffs a "scare tactic" and said it's looking into the situation.

Canada Post temporarily laying off striking workers, union says

Eliminating open-net fish farms in B.C. would cost taxpayers billions: report

The proposed federal ban on open net-pen salmon farms in British Columbia coastal waters will cost taxpayers billions and seriously impact Canada's economy, food security and Indigenous communities, says a report commissioned by the BC Salmon Farmers Association.