Online toolkit helps build homes faster as rents fall

British Columbia's new online platform, DASH, aims to expedite the construction of affordable housing, resulting in a significant 9. 6% drop in asking rents over the past two years. Minister Christine Boyle highlighted that this innovation allows families and workers to secure homes more quickly, addressing economic challenges. DASH employs modern building methods such as prefabrication and standardized designs to lower costs and speed up construction. The province is also working with local governments to simplify approval processes and enhance digital permitting tools.

Recent reports show Vancouver's asking rents reached a 43-month low, declining for 23 consecutive months. The initiative supports B. C. ’s Look West economic strategy, emphasizing construction innovation as key to the province’s prosperity. Over 93,600 homes have been delivered or are underway since 2017 under the Homes for People Plan.

Quotes from industry leaders express confidence in DASH's potential to revolutionize housing construction in the province.