Build Canada Homes: What Mark Carney’s Housing Plan Means for Victoria, BC 

What Is Build Canada Homes?

To speed up construction on public lands, Canada Lands Company will be integrated into BCH, giving it control over 88 federal properties—463 hectares of land suitable for housing. Federal ministers will also identify additional departmental lands for potential housing projects.BCH will invest in modern, cost-efficient, and sustainable construction methods such as factory-built, modular, and mass timber housing. These techniques can cut building timelines by up to 50%, reduce costs by 20%, and lower emissions by about 20%. By emphasizing low-carbon materials and efficient design, BCH will help create a sustainable housing industry that builds year-round.Under the new Buy Canadian policy, BCH will prioritize domestic materials like Canadian lumber, steel, aluminum, and mass timber. This approach will strengthen national supply chains, grow the Canadian housing industry, and generate high-paying jobs across the country.

Build Canada Homes, federally funded, created this to act as a one-stop shop for builders, developers, and communities. Backed by $13 billion in initial funding, it will:

• Provide land and financing for new affordable housing projects.
• Streamline approvals and reduce construction delays.
• Leverage public lands, including federal properties in cities like Victoria, to lower costs.
• Support partnerships with provinces, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and private builders.

By merging with the Canada Lands Company, BCH will gain access to over 88 federal properties nationwide suitable for housing — and some of those could be developed right here in Greater Victoria.

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Why It Matters for Victoria’s Housing Market

Victoria’s real estate market continues to face high demand and limited supply, pushing affordability out of reach for many families and first-time buyers. With Build Canada Homes, the goal is to:

• Build faster using modular, factory-built, and mass timber construction.
• Reduce land costs by using government-owned properties.
• Create more affordable and mixed-income housing in urban areas.
• Support sustainable construction using low-carbon materials and energy-efficient designs.

These modern techniques can cut build times by up to 50% and reduce costs by 20%, meaning more homes can be built for less money — and more quickly.

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Buy Canadian, Build Local

Through the new Buy Canadian policy, Build Canada Homes will prioritize Canadian-made lumber, steel, and materials, strengthening local supply chains and creating jobs in BC’s construction industry. This aligns closely with Victoria’s own focus on sustainable development and community-centered housing growth.

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Looking Ahead

The program’s CEO, Ana Bailão, brings extensive experience in housing policy and public-private development. With her leadership, Build Canada Homes aims to make housing more accessible across Canada — with Victoria, BC, expected to benefit from federal land use, affordable housing funds, and modular build projects.In the coming years, Build Canada Homes could help reshape Victoria’s housing landscape, increasing affordability, modernizing construction, and strengthening the region’s housing market for the next generation.

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Disclaimer

The information provided in these posts is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. The content is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a client relationship or the provision of professional advice of any kind.No individual or entity should act or refrain from acting based solely on the information contained in this blog, any linked materials, or related content without first seeking appropriate legal or professional counsel.While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, no liability or responsibility is assumed for any errors, omissions, or the outcomes resulting from the use or reliance upon this material.Readers are strongly encouraged to consult qualified professional advisors before making decisions based on any information contained herein.