City hall has to be part of the solution because city fees and charges, regulations, and time delays only add to the cost of housing: Linda Annis
Surrey, B.C. (April 2, 2026): Surrey First Councillor and candidate for mayor Linda Annis says proposed provincial legislation introduced this week would give municipalities greater flexibility to reduce upfront costs and accelerate housing construction, helping communities deliver the homes families need.
The Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 16), introduced by Attorney General Niki Sharma, would amend the Local Government Act to expand the types of housing projects eligible for reduced or waived development cost charges, giving local governments and TransLink more tools to support housing and growth.
The changes allow for more flexibility to reduce or waive development charges for additional types of housing that communities want. Lowering the upfront costs will reduce financial barriers for homebuilders and help them build more housing projects in today’s uncertain economic environment.
“This is good news for growing communities like Surrey, where more families are choosing to put down roots,” said Annis. “Municipalities will have more practical tools to get housing built faster, but it’s critical that we focus on homes that families can grow into, not just below‑market housing, but market housing that supports long‑term stability, choice, and builds real neighbourhoods.”
The proposed changes are also intended to help communities access federal infrastructure funding needed to support housing and growth.
“City costs and charges, time delays, and overregulation add to the cost of housing,” added Annis. “If we want to see new homes built, and our construction sector back to work, we have to do more than just preach affordable housing, we have to make sure city hall is part of the solution, and not an impediment. I am prepared to work with the development sector and provincial government to implement necessary bylaw amendments that will unlock housing construction.”