Renee Merrifield, outgoing Kelowna-Mission MLA, thanks riding and readers for their support

Outgoing MLA signs off

As I reflect on the past three years of writing this column, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the conversations we’ve shared.

What began as a platform for me to express the events of politics that would have an affect on the residents of Kelowna, became something far more meaningful—a dialogue between all of us, one that has helped shape not only the direction of this column but also my work as your elected representative.

Now, as I step away from my role as an MLA and prepare to close this chapter, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to engage in these conversations.

The role of an MLA is often described as a voice for the people, but that responsibility is only meaningful if it’s rooted in genuine listening. Over the last three years, this column has been a vital way for me to stay connected to the heartbeat of Kelowna. Your responses, whether through comments, emails, or personal messages, have been more than just feedback—they’ve been guiding lights that helped me stay grounded in the real issues that matter to our community.

Politics can sometimes feel distant, like it’s happening far away from the people it impacts the most.

I’ve had the privilege of hearing directly from so many of you. Parents, small business owners, students, seniors—people from all walks of life who care deeply about Kelowna’s future. You’ve shared your struggles, your triumphs, your frustrations, and your hopes. And every single one of those stories has mattered.

They’ve not only informed the questions I’ve asked in the legislature, but they’ve also shaped the priorities I’ve championed. From healthcare concerns to the affordability crisis, from the challenges of small business ownership to the importance of preserving our environment, your voices have been the foundation of my work.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned during this time is that the best ideas and solutions don’t often come from government offices—they come from the people living and working in our communities every day. So many of you have offered constructive suggestions for how we can address the pressing issues facing Kelowna, and those ideas have sparked meaningful discussions in my office and beyond.

Your input has often led to further action, whether in policy advocacy or community-based initiatives, and I want you to know how much I appreciate the thoughtfulness you’ve brought to these conversations.

Of course, this column hasn’t only been about challenges. Some of the most memorable moments have come from stories of hope and resilience, stories that have reminded me why I entered public service in the first place. I’ve heard from young people who are passionate about environmental sustainability, from local entrepreneurs excited about the future of innovation in Kelowna and from families who believe in the power of community to get through even the toughest times.

These stories of optimism and belief in our shared future have been some of the most uplifting aspects of this work, and they continue to inspire me.

My connection to Kelowna will remain as strong as ever. I may no longer be your MLA but I will always be a part of this community, listening and contributing in whatever ways I can. The stories you’ve shared with me over these years will stay with me, and I hope that the conversations we’ve started will continue, even as others take up the mantle of leadership.

Thank you for trusting me with your thoughts, your concerns, and your hopes. Thank you for pushing me to be a better advocate, a better listener, and a better representative. It has been the honour of a lifetime to serve as your MLA, and I will always cherish the connection we’ve built through this column.

Kelowna’s future is bright, not because of any single leader or policy, but because of the strength, resilience, and wisdom of its people. I leave this role with deep gratitude and optimism, knowing that this community will continue to thrive.

If you would like to stay in touch with me, please email me at [email protected].

Renee Merrifield is the BC United MLA for Kelowna-Mission. She is not seeking re-election in the current B.C. provincial election

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

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Unintended consequences of piecemeal building code changes

Housing crosswires

If you are wondering why the price of housing hasn’t gone down yet, despite all of the work of our many layers of government, I want to give a couple of examples of how policy is affecting the cost of housing and show how well-meaning policies can often work at cross purposes.

In the news last week was the announcement that the B.C. Building Code was changing to allow single egress stairways in buildings of up to six stories. On the surface, the change should be good, and should push costs lower and streamline housing construction.

At the same time, new accessibility regulations that will come into effect in March require 100% of units to be adaptable for people with disabilities.

While both initiatives are intended to improve the housing landscape in British Columbia, they illustrate a broader issue with government intervention—when policies are not harmonized, they can end up making housing more expensive, not more affordable.

Let’s first look at the single egress stairways. The province’s decision to remove the requirement for a second staircase is framed as a way to reduce building costs, particularly for mid-rise buildings up to six stories and to increase housing density on smaller lots. In theory, this change allows developers to use space more efficiently, freeing up more room for additional units or larger layouts, which can be particularly beneficial in urban areas where land is at a premium?.

However, the policy comes with risks. Safety experts, including those in the fire service community, have raised concerns about emergency evacuations. In the event of a fire or other emergency, having only one staircase limits the options for residents to exit safely.

Even with enhanced safety measures like sprinklers and smoke-management systems, a single exit can create bottlenecks during an evacuation, leaving residents—especially those on higher floors—vulnerable. That is particularly troubling for individuals with mobility challenges, who rely on accessible means of egress, often through elevators with standby power.

In an emergency, where elevators may be unusable, the only option would be the staircase—a major barrier for those with physical disabilities?.

On the flip side, the B.C. Building Code now also mandates that starting in March 2025, all new residential units must be fully adaptable for people with disabilities. That means every unit in a new building, regardless of which story, will require modifications such as larger rooms, lowered outlets and accessible bathrooms to ensure individuals with disabilities can comfortably live there?.

While that is undoubtedly a positive step toward inclusivity, it comes with significant financial implications. Industry experts estimate the changes could add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of each new unit.

That is why prices keep going up. For a housing market already under strain, these added costs could delay new projects and ultimately push prices higher, counteracting the cost-saving measures intended by reducing stairway requirements.

What we see here are two well-intentioned policies that, when taken together, highlight a broader issue in government planning—rules and regulations, when not properly aligned, can create more problems than they solve.

The goal of both policies—affordable, accessible housing—gets muddied when one policy aims to cut costs and another increases them. Eliminating a stairwell may save $50,000 but making 100% of the units adaptable could add $1 million. Eliminating a stairwell may lower costs, but may put people at risk in an emergency, especially those with disabilities.

As someone who has spent a great deal of time advocating for affordable housing and smart growth in British Columbia, I believe it is crucial we carefully consider the unintended consequences of these changes. Yes, we need more housing and we need it fast. But we also need housing that is safe, accessible and affordable for all British Columbians.

By relaxing safety standards on one side and raising costs on the other, we run the risk of achieving neither.

Instead of implementing piecemeal regulations, government should focus on a more cohesive strategy that balances affordability, safety and accessibility. That could include offering incentives or grants to developers to help offset the increased costs of making all units adaptable or reconsidering the safety implications of reducing stairwells in mid-rise buildings.

In the rush to address the housing crisis, we must avoid creating policies that, in the long run, only make housing less accessible and more expensive for everyone. A thoughtful, balanced approach is the only way to ensure that we are building a province where everyone—regardless of their abilities—has access to safe, affordable homes.

My question to you this week is this:

Should government be increasing or decreasing housing regulations to lower the cost of housing?

I love hearing from you and read every email. Please email me at [email protected] or call the office at 250-712-3620.

Renee Merrifield is the BC United MLA for Kelowna-Mission.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

MLA says B.C.'s problems are home grown

Made-in-B.C. problems

Some local provincial election candidates are suggesting the challenges British Columbia faces today aren’t the fault of the current NDP government.

They argue the province's economic woes, social challenges and infrastructure shortfalls are due to external factors and that the current government just needs more time. But let’s be clear: the current state of our province is a direct result of the provincial government’s actions—or lack thereof. Giving them more time will only give us more of the same—just worse.

Allow me to explain.

Take the economy. The current government has overseen and directed a massive increase in government spending, all while taxpayers are struggling more than ever. Crown corporations, creatures of the provincial government have ballooned, adding more employees and bureaucratic layers, but where’s the payoff or return on investment?

British Columbians aren’t seeing better services—they’re seeing higher costs of living, inflation that is outpacing the rest of Canada, with stagnant incomes and a plummeting economy. This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; this is about real families feeling the pinch.

Small businesses, the backbone of our economy, have been hit hard under the current government. Higher taxes, more regulations, and a lack of support during tough times have pushed many to the brink. Some haven’t survived. This approach is stifling the very businesses that keep our communities vibrant and our economy strong.

Then there’s housing. The NDP campaigned in 2017 and 2020 promising affordability, but what we have now is the opposite. By piling on regulations and taxes, they’ve choked housing supply and driven prices even higher. This was their plan for the first five years in office – to quell demand.

When that failed miserably, they brought in legislation to restrict home ownership rights, along with provincial zoning requirements. Their centralized, heavy-handed approach discourages private sector solutions, leaving a generation of British Columbians priced out of the housing market and renters struggling with skyrocketing costs.

These current policies have left us with the highest priced housing in Canada and the highest rents in North America – the worst in history.

On the environmental front, the provincial government’s restrictive regulations have stifled growth in key sectors like natural resources, where B.C. could be a global leader in sustainable practices. Instead, investment is fleeing the province, taking jobs and opportunities with it. Their opposition to common-sense projects like responsible resource development has not only hurt our economy but also made us more reliant on less sustainable energy sources.

And let’s not forget health care. The pandemic laid bare the weaknesses in our system, weaknesses that were worsened by the government’s mismanagement. Long wait times, a shortage of family doctors, and critical care resources stretched thin were problems before the pandemic—and they’ve only gotten worse. The government’s inefficient, high cost, high bureaucratic approach to health care has left us with a system struggling to meet the needs of British Columbians.

The record is clear: B.C. has an economy that’s less competitive, a housing market that’s less affordable, and public services that are failing us. It’s time to stop giving them a free pass. The challenges we face today aren’t just bad luck—they’re the result of choices made by the current government. Choices driven by an ideology that prioritizes government control over individual freedom and bureaucratic bloat over economic growth.

British Columbians deserve better. We need a government that will prioritize fiscal responsibility, support our small businesses, and create an environment where families can thrive. We need leadership that will work with the private sector, not against it, to solve our housing crisis. We need policies that empower our resource sector to grow responsibly, creating jobs and opportunities for all. And we need a health care system that puts patients first, not bureaucracy.

The path forward is clear, but it requires a change in direction. The NDP has had its chance, and they’ve failed. Now is the time for new leadership that will put the interests of British Columbians first.

So, I ask you:

Will you give the NDP more time in the upcoming provincial election? Why or why not?

I love hearing from you and read every email you send. Please write me at [email protected] or call my office at 250-712-3620.

Renee Merrifield is the BC United MLA for Kelowna-Mission.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.