Non-profit says B.C.’s new supportive housing legislation still has ‘very far’ to go

Douglas King, executive director of Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) in Victoria, acknowledges that recent amendments to British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) represent a step forward in addressing concerns from supportive housing providers. These changes, introduced by Housing Minister Christine Boyle, aim to ensure the Act still applies to some tenants, though King emphasizes that the path to clear rights for residents remains long.

The amendments, tabled last week, follow a working group formed in summer 2025 by then-Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon. This group was tasked with exploring the possibility of exempting supportive housing from the RTA entirely. While King welcomes the effort to maintain some level of legal protection, he warns that past experiences show supportive housing providers often disregard rules they dislike, sometimes misclassifying properties as transitional housing to avoid compliance.

One of the amendments allows landlords to temporarily restrict access to a property under certain circumstances. King expresses concern over this provision, noting that supportive housing providers have historically locked tenants out without legal recourse, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness. He stresses that without enforceable rules, the rights of tenants remain uncertain.

Boyle asserts that the vast majority of the nearly 15,000 residents in supportive housing are responsible tenants. She highlights that operators have long requested “right tools” to reflect the “operational realities” of supportive housing. The new legislation includes language that would enable operators to evict tenants more swiftly if they are found with weapons, a measure she says addresses a common concern among providers.

The legislation also permits temporary removal of tenants for a “cooling off period” to manage serious health and safety risks. Boyle notes that while many operators already prohibit weapons, they have sought additional tools to enforce these bans. She frames the changes as a response to these operational needs, emphasizing the importance of balancing tenant rights with facility safety.

King, however, remains skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures without stronger accountability mechanisms. He points to the challenges faced by supportive housing providers in enforcing rules, suggesting that the lack of legal recourse continues to leave tenants at risk. He acknowledges the potential for positive change if providers adhere to the new rules, but warns that history suggests otherwise.

The issue of supportive housing in British Columbia reflects broader challenges in addressing housing insecurity and ensuring the rights of vulnerable neighbors. As communities seek to provide care and stability, the need for clear, enforceable policies remains critical. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, a call that resonates deeply in the ongoing efforts to support and protect the most vulnerable.

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