PIBC is excited to announce that it will be partnering with the Province of BC, Ministry of Housing to develop and implement a new Peer Learning Network (PLN) to support local government staff with their counterparts across the province so that they can share existing best practices and innovative approaches to streamlining development approvals and advancing housing supply.
 

About the Peer Learning Network (PLN)

The need for a peer learning network was identified during consultation by the Province with local governments, housing providers, builders, planners and other stakeholders as part of the Province’s Development Approvals Process Review (DAPR).

The Province has provided PIBC with $500,000 in funding over 3 years to support the PLN’s development and implementation with an expected launch beginning in winter 2024.
 

“PIBC is excited to be part of this new multi-year initiative with the Province of BC. Sharing knowledge, emerging best practices and on-the-ground experience amongst planners and other local government professionals will assist our members in their critical work. We know this collaboration will help communities meet today’s challenges with respect to housing needs and development pressures. We’re pleased that the Peer Learning Network can also serve as a conduit in providing feedback from our members back to the Province on recent and coming legislative changes.”  - Emilie K. Adin RPP, MCIP, PIBC President
 

Through the PLN network, participants will:

• Share knowledge, best practices and experiences with adjusting to new development approvals-related legislation.
• Receive education and capacity building about DAPR initiatives.
• Learn about local government-initiated improvements to aspects of their own development approvals process.

This new initiative is part of the Province’s Homes for People action plan to deliver more homes in B.C., building on B.C.’s $19-billion housing investment and the introduction of effective tools to tackle speculation and increase the number of rentals.
 

Click here to read the Ministry of Housing's full press release.
 

Next Steps for PIBC

Over the coming months, the PIBC Board, staff and committees, in consultation with members, the BC Ministry of Housing and others, will be working to frame and develop the initial elements of the Peer Learning Network, which we anticipate will be delivered to PIBC members and other professionals working in local government through a variety of existing and new PIBC channels and other platforms.