Burnaby mayor calls for clearer government support for construction

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley is calling on governments to provide more predictable construction costs and procurement, faster approvals and stronger support for the skilled-trades workforce.

In a letter to residents following a Vancouver Regional Construction Association event, Hurley said construction is central to delivering housing, commercial and industrial infrastructure while supporting jobs and economic growth.

He said Burnaby has reduced residential permit-processing times by 75 per cent and is modernizing approvals through online permitting, digital permit issuance and AI-assisted zoning reviews. Hurley argued that municipalities should be involved early in policy decisions affecting their communities.

Hurley criticized what he described as a one-size-fits-all approach in recent provincial housing and zoning legislation. He said local planning is needed to ensure growth is accompanied by water, sewer, transportation, parks, schools, community facilities and public-safety services.

The mayor said Burnaby has about 25,000 approved housing units that have not yet entered construction, while Metro Vancouver has nearly 4,000 vacant and unsold units. The city cannot compel developers to start projects or require approved units to be occupied, he said.

Hurley welcomed more than $5 billion in federal and provincial commitments over 10 years for infrastructure investment and development-charge reductions, but said implementation details remain crucial. He also warned that postponing housing, childcare, health-care and infrastructure projects can lead to higher costs and a loss of construction capacity over time.