Finance Minister Brenda Bailey informed local leaders at the UBCM convention that provincial coffers are nearly empty amid a projected $11.6 billion deficit, as mayors push for solutions to immigration-related housing pressures. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West specifically highlighted how high immigration rates combined with provincial upzoning legislation have overwhelmed municipal infrastructure. West criticized the “scatter-fire blanket upzoning” approach, explaining that cities are struggling to upgrade water and sewer utilities for unexpected density levels. While Bailey outlined efforts to cut $1.5 billion in administrative costs over three years, municipalities are now proposing non-monetary solutions to address the growing crisis.
Immigration crisis: BC mayors demand tools to handle infrastructure strain as provincial deficit reaches $11.6 billion
