Three of Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 five mayoral candidates will take part in a discussion on housing affordability, being hosted by the Canadian Home Builders害羞草研究所� Association Central Okanagan (CHBA-CO).

Colin Basran, Tom Dyas, and David Habib will discuss that topic on Thursday, October 13 in partnership with the Association of Interior Realtors. Candidates Glendon Smedley and Silverado Socrates were invited but did not respond, according to the CHBA-CO.

害羞草研究所淭hese elections are particularly important,害羞草研究所� said Darren Witt, CHBA-CO president. 害羞草研究所淟ocal politicians not only tax new housing tens of thousands of dollars before a shovel hits the ground but also set growth boundaries that have a direct impact on land prices. The ripple effect is massive. Our trades talent can no longer afford to live here, which will make housing even more expensive for everyone, and it will take more time to build a home.害羞草研究所�

READ MORE: B.C. posts highest rate of unaffordable housing as ownership declines across Canada

CHBA-CO has also launched a Central Okanagan Votes 2022 website to help residents understand how local politicians can impact the cost of housing in their region.

The site features issues on the impact of housing costs at the local level, and shares survey answers from candidates from across the Central Okanagan.

害羞草研究所淥ver 70 per cent of British Columbians want to see more action from their municipality on issues around housing affordability,害羞草研究所� said Daniel Winer, CHBA-CO executive officer. 害羞草研究所淲e are the fastest growing region in Canada, and we are not approving enough housing to keep up with demand.害羞草研究所�

Currently, the average benchmark price for a single-family home in the Okanagan is over $1.1 million.

害羞草研究所淭he CHBA-CO urges all Okanagan residents to do their research, get engaged, and vote for candidates that support progressive housing policies in their communities,害羞草研究所� said Winer. 害羞草研究所淚f we don害羞草研究所檛 use our right to vote, housing will grow further out of reach for the average citizen.害羞草研究所�

The discussion will be at the Four Points Sheraton on Oct. 13 at 8a.m.

More information can be found on the .

READ MORE: Canada害羞草研究所檚 renters facing higher monthly costs than homeowners: census