As someone who grew up and built a life right here in the Cowichan Valley, I keep a close eye on the bigger picture when it comes to housing—because the national trends always find their way to our local market. The latest projection from Canada’s housing agency is eye-opening: to restore pre-pandemic affordability, we’d need to see 417,000 to 469,000 new homes built every year through 2036. That’s nearly double what’s currently in the pipeline. The gap is significant, with a shortfall of 187,000 to 238,000 homes expected each year nationwide over the next decade if things don’t change. Even more, construction is set to slow down while demand continues to rise, which puts extra pressure on affordability—something I know matters deeply to families and individuals hoping to put down roots in our community. Most of the current building is already spoken for with existing projects, so bridging this gap will require a real boost in new construction. It’s a reminder of how interconnected the national landscape is with the homes and neighbourhoods we cherish here. I’m always here to share insight and local expertise as you consider your next move in the Valley—making this place your home, now and in the future.
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