In a recent KelownaNow article, Troika’s CEO, Renee Merrifield, weighs in on a growing concern across the development industry: are federal housing policies actually making homes more expensive?
As a local developer deeply involved in creating sustainable, attainable communities in the Okanagan, we see the impacts of government policy every day. While the intention behind recent federal initiatives may be to increase affordability, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
“We’re All Saying the Same Thing”
In the article, Renee voices what many in the industry are feeling—that current policies are missing the mark. Whether it’s the continued application of GST on new rental construction or the added barriers created by federal lending and insurance restrictions, developers are being squeezed at a time when Canada needs more housing, not less.
“When the cost of building rises because of policy,” Renee says, “those costs inevitably get passed on to renters and buyers.”
It’s Not Just About Kelowna
This isn’t an isolated issue. Across Canada, developers are sounding the alarm: federal red tape is making it harder—not easier—to address the housing crisis. The article captures the frustration of builders trying to do the right thing for growing communities while navigating a system that often works against them.
A Call for Smarter Policy
At Troika, we believe in building smarter—not just in design and construction, but in how we work with governments at every level. We’re committed to being part of the solution, which includes speaking out when policies hinder progress.
We encourage you to read the full article from KelownaNow to better understand the conversation—and the call to action—surrounding housing affordability in Canada.