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VICTORIA — The Government of British Columbia is banking on the digitization of the permitting process to increase the speed of homebuilding.

“Faster approvals and builds will unlock more homes for British Columbians sooner, easing some of the pressure on our strained housing market,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing, in a news release.

The Ministry of Housing is digitizing the BC Building Code and permitting process. The change will be piloted in select local governments in 2024, states a release.

The building code is currently only available in print or PDF formats, with the hope that digitization and the slew of access features that come with it will allow for quicker building inspections and more automation during permit reviews.

The government is also investing in Digital, a technology organization focused on the development and adoption of new technology in the construction sector. Digital is receiving a $9 million grant over three years.

Digital is a not-for-profit organization and will be working with the industry, academics and the government to develop and implement tech solutions for the sector.

“The housing crisis in B.C. calls for modern, innovative solutions. There is tremendous opportunity in using technology to automate code compliance and process permits so homes can be constructed faster,” said Neil Moody, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association British Columbia, in the release.