Here’s a look back at key events in 2023 that affect strata owners and councils in British Columbia.
2023 saw several changes to strata legislation following the amendments to the Strata Property Act on November 24, 2022 regarding rentals, age restriction bylaws, and electronic meetings.
On April 1, 2023 a new Form B information certificate was released to include a summary of the strata corporation’s insurance coverage.
On April 26, 2023 Bill 22 passed, which introduced changes to the Strata Property Act in relation to electric vehicle charging.
On April 25, Bill 24 passed. This amendment to the Strata Property Act clarified the Act regarding age restriction bylaws.
On May 1, 2023 Strata Property Regulation 7.01 brought into effect exemptions to age restriction bylaws for spouses and children.
On October 26, 2023, the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act was passed. Strata owners are affected by this new legislation which places rules on short-term accommodations being offered to the public. Many areas of BC will have a principal residency requirement which comes into effect on May 1, 2024.
On October 31, 2023 the CleanBC – Go Electric Charger Rebate Program was relaunched with $6.59 million in provincial funding to make the EV Ready Plan and EV Ready Infrastructure rebates available again. The program was expanded to allow townhouse stratas to qualify for funding. Learn more at Electrical Vehicle Charging for Stratas.
As of November 1, 2023 the new minimum contribution to the contingency reserve fund came into effect for all strata corporations.
On November 29, 2023 the Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act was passed. If The BC Government’s preliminary numbers are correct, there will be over 32,000 new strata corporations of 2-6 units in the next 10 years, effectively doubling the current number of stratas in BC.
On December 6, 2023 new regulations about EV charging brought sections of the Strata Property Act passed on April 26 into effect and provided details about requests from owners for alterations to common property to install EV charging stations and infrastructure.
On December 6, 2023 new regulations brought sections of the Strata Property Act into effect and provided details about the requirement for all stratas to obtain an electrical planning report including deadlines, the content of the report, and who is qualified to provide the report.
On December 6, 2023 a new Form B information certificate was released. Strata corporations must now include a copy of any electrical planning reports.
2024 may be just as eventful, so make sure to subscribe to VISOA’s e-newsletter to stay informed of news, events, educational webinars, and more.