BC Election 2024 – Let’s Talk Strata
It’s election time. Whether you’re a candidate or a voter, we encourage you to start talking about stratas. With over 1.5 million British Columbians living in strata units, strata owners represent over 25% of the electorate. VISOA has asked party leaders for their position on the following questions and we’ll update this post with any answers we receive. We encourage strata owners across the province to send questions to candidates in your riding. Let’s get everyone in this election talking about stratas!
Are you a candidate? Submit answers to any of the questions below by completing VISOA’s online form. Responses received by October 7, 2024 will be made publicly available on this blog post.
Questions from VISOA
In VISOA’s recent survey, the following questions received an average score of 4.1 / 5 showing strong support from strata owners.
• Will you pledge to seek equity for strata owners by ensuring that provincial rebate programs for energy retrofits and cooling equipment are available to all strata corporations?
• With construction of 2-6 unit multiplexes the number of strata corporations in BC will double within 10 years.
• Will you reform the Strata Property Act to resolve issues for small stratas?
• What support will you give to the Housing Policy Branch so it has the resources it needs to handle the increasing volume of work needed to support the growing number of strata owners and strata corporations? (E.g., Will you commit to forming a Strata Housing Branch within the Ministry of Housing?)
• New strata owners are often not aware of what buying a strata lot means. Stratas of less than 5 units don’t receive a marketing disclosure statement to inform them of the budget, strata fees, and responsibility for insurance and repairs. How will you support consumer protection and education in the purchase and sale process?
Questions from the public
We asked the public, if you had 2 minutes in an elevator with a candidate in your riding, what would you ask them to help you decide if you want to vote for them. Here are questions that are representative of themes in the survey results. See all survey responses.
• Do you support a comprehensive review of the Strata Property Act with a view to making it work better for strata owners?
• What will you do to improve consumer protection for strata owners?
• How will you address the high cost of strata insurance?
• Do you support a review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of the Civil Resolution Tribunal in resolving strata disputes?
• What is your position on allowing strata corporations to have bylaws that restrict rentals and ages other than 55 plus?
Resources for voters
Find your candidates. Send them your questions or direct them to this blog post.
Mark your calendar: Advanced voting takes place Oct 10-13 and 15-16. Final voting day is October 19. Find a voting place.
Learn about election signs and access for canvassers in stratas.
Parties (in alphabetical order)
The Elections BC website does not show any candidates affiliated with BC United.
