Latest from Justin McElroy
Metro Matters
B.C. municipality to debate whether it should continue to exist
A workshop is being held at the end of March for the Vancouver Island community of about 350 people to determine whether it continues being a municipality — or disincorporate and be overseen by a regional government.
Another year of long kindergarten wait-lists in Vancouver schools
Another February is ending in Vancouver with hundreds of parents waiting for their first child to enter kindergarten — but being told they lost the lottery to get into the school within their catchment area.
Analysis
'Status quo' budget suits B.C. NDP just fine
It's the incremental, cumulative impact that the provincial government wanted to highlight in their budget — along with their decision not to make major changes to their philosophy, to avoid projected deficits over the next three years.
B.C. budget projects record-high $7.9B deficit
The B.C. government is projecting a record-high $7.9 billion deficit next fiscal year, as the NDP prepares for a fall election by emphasizing the need to maintain spending in the midst of high inflation and a slowed global economy.
Richmond drug consumption site motion causes confusion, commotion
A motion by two Richmond, B.C., councillors to push for a supervised drug consumption site in their municipality has sparked backlash from the community — and confusion from the provincial government.
Alternative approval process: The common but convoluted way local governments raise millions of dollars
The AAP might be somewhat convoluted, but it stems from provincial rules over what local and regional governments are allowed to do.
B.C. continues to lead the country in high rental prices and low vacancies, CMHC data shows
When it comes to the rental market, Metro Vancouver continues to be at the top — or depending on how you look at the numbers, the bottom.
B.C.'s infamous fast ferries are on Facebook Marketplace, and if they aren't bought they'll be destroyed
A man working with an Egyptian contractor posted the ships on Facebook Marketplace, hoping to get $15 million for the three ships — a fraction of the $460 million it cost to build them.
Metro Matters
Cost of Metro Vancouver rental housing projects nearly doubles before construction begins
Among the reasons cited by Metro Vancouver for the increased budget were higher construction costs, an increase in parking area and bike storage lockers, and an increase to the size of a child care facility.
B.C. REPLAY 2023
The BBC sent 10 people to B.C. to travel around the province on public transit. It didn't go well
April 7: A BBC reality TV show aired last month that showcased the beauty of British Columbia — while also constantly pointing out how frustrating the province's transportation system can be.