Background
In 2023, Oak Bay was one of the first ten BC communities selected to receive housing target orders under the provincial Housing Supply Act. Oak Bay received its Housing Target Order from the Province in September, 2023 requiring 664 new housing units to be constructed (to occupancy) by September 30, 2028.
The District informed the Province at the time that the target was not achievable and requested additional information, changes, and support. At the end of Year 1, Oak Bay reported completion of 16 net new housing units – this was a significant increase from historic levels of approximately 2 net new units per year for the period 2019-2022.
In response, the Province sent the District a letter advising that the Year 1 target had not been met, nor had the District made satisfactory progress towards the Year 1 targets. The letter further advised that the Province was considering appointing an Advisor for Oak Bay.
On January 30, 2025, Minister Ravi Kahlon notified the District in writing that he had appointed a housing advisor to work with Oak Bay beginning January 30, 2025 to March 28, 2025.
According to the Minister’s letter, the Advisor will conduct the following as well as any other analysis deemed necessary to prepare recommendations in a final report to the Province:
Progress Reports
Period 1
Period 2
Interim Period
Statements and News Releases
- January 15, 2025 | District of Oak Bay Responds to Potential Appointment of a Housing Advisor
- August 12, 2024 | Statement - Camosun College Student Housing
- September 26, 2023 | News Release - District of Oak Bay and Housing Supply Act Targets
- May 31, 2023 | District Statement on Housing Supply Act Target
Correspondence with the Province
Housing Targets
- Minister Kahlon Response to Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch – July 17, 2025
- District of Oak Bay’s Response to the Province re Provincial Advisor Report and Recommendations – June 19, 2025
- Letter from the Province – Provincial Advisor Report and Recommendations – May 21, 2025
- Letter from the Province – Appointment of an Advisor – January 30, 2025
- District of Oak Bay’s Response to the Province re Possible Appointment of Advisor – January 15, 2025
- Letter from the Province – Year 1 Target Missed; May Appoint Advisor (30 days to respond) – December 17, 2024
- Letter from the Province – Final Housing Target Order for the District of Oak Bay – September 26, 2023
- Ministerial Order – Housing Supply Act– September 26, 2023
- District of Oak Bay’s Response to the Province re Draft Housing Target Order – September 14, 2023