Repealing B.C. housing legislation would be a mistake, says UBC expert

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Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson has promised to repeal key aspects of the provincial housing legislation introduced by the outgoing government of Premier David Eby.

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“We will return housing decisions to the people and the communities, who know their neighbourhoods so much better than Victoria,” Doerkson said during the inaugural meeting of the Conservative caucus.

Doerkson was referring to the proposed repeal of Bill 44, which New Democrats consider their signature piece of housing legislation.

The legislation legalized higher densities on single-lot properties in municipalities with populations above 5,000 people, but also came with housing targets, which have been heavily criticized by local governments.

Flynn disagrees with the plan to repeal, saying the law can be a “powerful tool,” and while some of it needs to be fixed, it would be a mistake to just throw it away.

“If I was the new government, I would not be making any knee-jerk reactions right now,” she said.

Flynn said she understands criticism from municipalities, saying there was “no question” that the dialogue between municipalities and Victoria must be improved.

“The province should not be dictating what municipalities do without actually engaging and having the bilateral relationships that are appropriate,” Flynn said.

She said housing in British Columbia is in a better place now than it was in 2017 for lots of reasons.

They include the work of the non-profit housing sector, municipalities, the federal government, and the provincial government, she said.

“So, the NDP government introduced some of the most transformative housing reforms in Canada,” she said.

Changing circumstances over time do not negate the fact that municipalities need to ensure affordable housing can be built in their communities, she said.

“This is not the time to be thinking about what to repeal,” she said. “It’s a time to set the course for a new agenda moving forward.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 4, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press