This month, meaningful conversations with all levels of government happened and the momentum around construction continues to build. One message is coming through clearly – there is a growing gap between policy direction and on-the-ground reality. We are hearing consistent themes: not enough consultation, timelines that do not reflect capacity, competing priorities, and misalignment with the broader vision for growth in this province.
Municipal Engagement
Our municipal advocacy work continues across the region, with a focus on permits, costs, predictability, and building relationships that position our industry to influence outcomes.
In Burnaby, we presented to the Planning and Development Committee, raising concerns around rising Development Cost Charges (DCC) and lengthy approval timelines. We emphasized the need for more predictable processes to support project delivery and industry confidence.
In Abbotsford, we met with senior city staff to discuss land constraints, permitting timelines, and growing infrastructure pressures. There is strong interest from the City in improving processes, including digital permitting, and strengthening collaboration with industry.
In Langley, we met at length with Mayor Woodward, who reinforced the concerns we are hearing across municipalities, particularly around Development Cost Charges. He highlighted the need for a direct conversation between the Premier and mayors across the province to align on solutions.
Provincial Engagement
The recent provincial budget introduced language around the “re-pacing” of projects. For our industry, certainty matters. When project timelines shift, it impacts investment decisions, workforce planning, and long-term capacity building. A consistent, long-term infrastructure pipeline is critical to maintaining a strong and stable construction sector.
We are also closely monitoring cost pressures. As governments explore solutions such as Buy Canada approaches and increased interprovincial trade, additional tax measures like PST on certain inputs risk working against those objectives by increasing the cost to build.
We also continue to engage on the Province’s Construction Projects (Procurement) Act. This legislation has the potential to significantly impact how public infrastructure projects are delivered in British Columbia. Our focus remains clear: procurement must be fair, open, and competitive, while supporting efficient and timely project delivery. We will continue working with our provincial partners to ensure the construction industry’s voice is clearly represented as these policies evolve.
VRCA Young Construction Leaders at the Legislature
At the end of March, VRCA’s Young Construction Leaders, alongside Vancouver Island Construction Association’s (VICA) Young Builders Network, took their place where decisions are made – the BC legislature. This was not a tour. It was an action. From a joint breakfast briefing to meetings at the Legislature with MLAs from the NDP and BC Conservatives, the next generation of industry leaders showed up ready to engage directly with decision-makers.
This day was about more than meetings. It was about connection, perspective, and ensuring that those building our communities today and tomorrow are part of the conversations shaping British Columbia. From permitting to procurement to workforce, real, on-the-ground insight was brought directly to government.
Workforce Advocacy – Bringing Trades to School
We recently brought Bring Trades to School to West Vancouver Secondary, connecting with more than 280 students throughout the day. Students rotated through 12 interactive stations, including 7 trades and 5 industry partners, gaining hands-on exposure to careers in construction. Highlights included three technology-focused stations featuring a welding simulator, BIM simulator, and heavy equipment simulators, demonstrating how innovation is transforming the industry.
To support educators, parents, and students, we continue to promote our Trades Pathways Flow Chart. This clear, easy-to-follow visual guide outlines routes from high school into apprenticeships, post-secondary training, and long-term construction careers, helping simplify what can often feel like a complex system.
Federal Engagement
Global uncertainty continues to shape local outcomes. From supply chain pressures to shifting trade dynamics and rising costs, what happens internationally is being felt directly on our jobsites here at home. It reinforces the need for stable, predictable policy and investment at every level of government. At the federal level, we continue to work closely with our partners at the Canadian Construction Association. This month, industry leaders gathered for CCA’s annual conference with a clear message: Canada must invest in trade-enabling infrastructure to remain competitive. If you cannot move it, you cannot sell it. And if Canada cannot move its goods efficiently to global markets, we risk losing jobs, investment, and competitiveness.
We will continue to support national advocacy efforts that prioritize infrastructure investment, streamlined project delivery, and a strong construction workforce.
National Recognition for VRCA
We are proud to share that VRCA has been named the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) Partner Association of the Year. This award recognizes partner associations that demonstrate leadership in advocacy, education, and industry advancement. VRCA was recognized for “lobbying with power, advocating with purpose, educating with vision, and leading with confidence.”
This recognition reflects the strength of our members and the work happening across the Lower Mainland every day. Thank you for continuing to get involved and helping us amplify the voice of construction.
Together, we are building tomorrow.