Richmond mayor says blaming city fees for housing unaffordability 'silly'

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie is bristling at the province's suggestion the lack of affordable housing is because municipalities are taking too much money from developers — and in a shadowy manner.

The province set its sights on municipal fees during Tuesday's speech from the throne.

"Your government will work with municipalities to reduce the hidden costs in home purchases and to make those hidden costs clear and transparent," Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon read.

Brodie says the province should be putting its efforts elsewhere if they're serious about housing unaffordability.

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"I can tell you, there's absolutely nothing hidden about the municipal costs," he told On The Coast host Gloria Macarenko. "The costs being assessed by the city are absolutely clear and to suggest there's a transparency problem is simply a silly suggestion."

Brodie says that the goal with city fees is to make growth pay for itself. He says that developers pay city fees in exchange for more density and more density makes units cheaper for buyers.

"At least the municipal charges, whether you agree with them or not, are transparent and are paid for actual services provided," he said.

Brodie agreed that overall, the province has been an "active" partner in supporting affordable housing but adds he would like to see more from them.

To hear the full interview, click the audio labelled: Throne speech jibe blaming municipal fees for housing prices 'silly,' Richmond mayor says