The municipality of Summerland is one of 43 local governments in the province receiving grant funding to create more efficient development approvals processes that will help people get the homes they need built faster and support economic recovery.
The municipality is implementing new software to improve tracking, enable electronic applications, and increase the efficiency of multiple development application processes. Summerland is also working in collaboration with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to build a regional customer portal as a one-stop-shop for all development and building applicants in the region.
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“These funds will help streamline our development approvals processes which, in turn, helps us address local housing needs and related market pressures in the development sector,” said Summerland Mayor Toni Boot. “Further, partnering with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen will provide a one-stop-shop web portal for all development and building permits. We feel this model could be used in many other jurisdictions throughout B.C.”
The province is working with local governments and stakeholders to increase housing supply and affordability. According to the province, the Local Government Development Approvals Program is providing nearly $15 million to help local governments implement best practices and develop innovative ways to support non-profit housing organizations, developers and other stakeholders to build essential housing for people around the province as the economy recovers from the pandemic.
The program was open to all municipalities, regional districts and the Islands Trust, and is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on behalf of the province.
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