Oak Bay is falling short of meeting its housing targets, with only seven net new units completed since the province set a goal of 664 units over five years back in September 2023. Despite naming it a priority municipality, Oak Bay faces challenges due to limited land availability, high costs, and staff constraints. Mayor Kevin Murdoch highlights the difficulty of adding new housing without demolishing existing structures. The district aims to align its bylaws with provincial requirements to enable more housing units per lot.

However, obstacles to development persist, with concerns raised about Oak Bay’s historical resistance to new projects. The Ministry of Housing emphasizes its support for municipalities but warns of potential intervention if progress stalls. Legislative measures aim to streamline permitting and increase density, with plans for standardized housing designs forthcoming.