CRD Watch

June 6, 2025

The Government of British Columbia had top figures in the most powerful lobbying organization for development and real estate interests in the province, sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as they advised the Province on adopting mandatory/enforceable targets for municipalities and for other upcoming housing legislation to be able to override local government autonomy.

The Government of British Columbia had top figures in the most powerful lobbying organization for development and real estate interests in the province, sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as they advised the Province on adopting mandatory/enforceable housing targets for municipalities and… Continue reading

June 4, 2025

Ministry of Housing Notes from UDI Executive Committee: “one [of the] potential flaws is that LG [Local Government] has to answer to the electorate and likely continue [to] show NIMBYISM. How do we ensure population is educated that there are consequences over time if LG [Local Governments] don’t do, otherwise public will throw councils out over elections.” “Some council members who approved [the Arbutus development] will pay the price from public, and may see more political churn as the politicians need to be able to answer. Need a financial consequence.”

Ministry of Housing Notes from UDI Executive Committee: “one [of the] potential flaws is that LG [Local Government] has to answer to the electorate and likely continue [to] show NIMBYISM. How do we ensure [the] population is educated that there… Continue reading

June 2, 2025

The “Hong Kong Model, transit density – Setting expectations and having clear guidance. MDE [Minister David Eby] First step target approach”. UDI Executive Committee Meeting in April 13, 2022 with David Eby when he was the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing.

The “Hong Kong Model, transit density – Setting expectations and having clear guidance. MDE [Minister David Eby] First step target approach”. UDI Executive Committee Meeting in April 13, 2022 with David Eby when he was the Attorney General and Minister… Continue reading

May 29, 2025

BC Ministry of Housing violated Freedom of Information Legislation: Ministry’s non-responsiveness in delivering its completed FOI results regarding its dealings and communications with a registered lobbying organization (the UDI), was deemed a refusal to comply with the legislation, by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC), which subsequently compelled the Ministry to deliver the results after.

BC Ministry of Housing violated Freedom of Information Legislation: Ministry’s non-responsiveness in delivering its completed FOI results regarding its dealings and communications with a registered lobbying organization (the UDI), was deemed a refusal to comply with the legislation, by the… Continue reading

May 24, 2025

FOI reveals content of discussion regarding Bill 44 and ‘missing middle’ upzoning at the Union Club between Saanich Staff and the UDI, a registered lobbying organization that advances development/real estate interests. “For background, in June 2024, we rezoned approximately 25,000 lots in Saanich.” “Neighbours may not know until they see signs of construction”. “Saanich wanted similar outcomes as Province”

FOI reveals content of discussion regarding Bill 44 and ‘missing middle’ upzoning at the Union Club between Saanich Staff and the UDI, a registered lobbying organization that advances development/real estate interests. “For background, in June 2024, we rezoned approximately 25,000… Continue reading

May 15, 2025

“Statement from View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias on Bill 15 and Bill 7” “Secrecy, NDAs, and the Collapse of Trust”

“Statement from View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias on Bill 15 and Bill 7” “Secrecy, NDAs, and the Collapse of Trust” “Statement from Mayor Sid Tobias on Bill 15 and Bill 7 May 14, 2025 View Royal, BC – On May 1,… Continue reading

May 11, 2025

The Urban Development Institute (UDI) Pacific Region’s Constitution: A Society for “unselfish use of land”.

The Urban Development Institute (UDI) Pacific Region’s Constitution: A Society for “unselfish use of land”. By Sasha IzardMay 11, 2025 The UDI Pacific Region is the head branch of the UDI in British Columbia. The Urban Development Institute is a… Continue reading

April 30, 2025

Sooke Council unanimously decides to end the District’s membership with the Urban Development Institute (UDI) – The UDI Capital Region appears in disarray, it’s Board of Directors is missing and its Executive Director is no longer listed on the UDI’s website as a member of staff.

Sooke Council unanimously decides to end the District’s membership with the Urban Development Institute (UDI) – The UDI Capital Region appears in disarray, it’s Board of Directors list is missing and its Executive Director is no longer listed on the… Continue reading

April 17, 2025

The UDI claims that it is nonpartisan, makes federal election scorecard with only 3 parties listed.

The UDI claims that it is nonpartisan, makes federal election scorecard with only 3 parties listed. By Sasha IzardApril 17, 2025 The Urban Development Institute (UDI) is a registered nonprofit organization (and also simultaneously a registered lobbying organization at only… Continue reading

April 14, 2025

The cost of recording a Town Hall plummets from previous estimation by Saanich’s Corporate Officer. Council rejects recording options anyway.

The cost of recording a Town Hall plummets from previous estimation by Saanich’s Corporate Officer. Council rejects recording options anyway. By Sasha IzardApril 14, 2025 On March 10, 2025 Saanich Council deliberated over Councillor Chambers’ Motion: “That Council direct that… Continue reading

April 12, 2025

“VibrantVictoria” claims it’s not media, is annoyed at being asked if it is connected to real estate – bans poster for questioning if that is really the case – then it turns out that it is run by Citified Media with ties to real estate sector.

“VibrantVictoria” claims it’s not media, is annoyed at being asked if it is connected to real estate – bans poster for questioning if that is really the case – then it turns out that it is run by Citified Media… Continue reading