Leading, Learning, and Innovating at PacificWest 2025

Housing is on everyone’s mind these days—and with good reason. In BC, demand hasn’t disappeared; it’s simply been pushed out of reach for too many families. As Minister Christine Boyle says in this issue (p. 8), the province is “using every tool available” to increase supply and protect affordability. That willingness to adapt is vital when families, municipalities, and industry are all feeling the squeeze.

Two other pieces in this issue shine a light on what that challenge looks like from different angles. Brendon Ogmundson (p. 6) explores how the unpredictability of tariff threats and global uncertainty erode confidence—the very foundation of investment. When builders or buyers lose confidence, projects pause, and families hesitate. Richard Littlemore (p.12) traces the longer arc: affordability metrics so stretched that CMHC has abandoned its own affordability benchmark. Together, these articles remind us that the housing crisis isn’t just about supply numbers; it’s about trust, predictability, and making sure policy and market forces line up to deliver homes people can actually live in.

That’s exactly what makes PacificWest 2025 (p. 20) so timely. Co-hosted by by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, this gathering has quickly become Western Canada’s premier real estate event. It’s much more than just a conference. It has become a hub where real estate professionals and other stakeholders in the housing and development arena come together to learn from top economists, innovators, and leaders across the country. From cutting-edge tech to practical skills to conversations about the future of housing, it’s designed to equip us with tools that support our role as connectors, problem-solvers, and community advocates.

Hope to see you there!