Joe Varing joined UDI's Fraser Valley Forecast panel on February 27, 2026 to share insights on development land, market pressures, financing, fees, and where opportunity is opening up.
Cost-of-delivery pressure on projects is structural — construction costs, government charges, softer revenues and tighter capital all weighing on feasibility.
Municipal tone has improved in some markets; responsiveness matters in a cycle where timing and certainty drive feasibility.
Financing has tightened — strong lender relationships are more important than ever.
SSMUH is a positive concept; the rollout could have been more measured.
Greater transparency around municipal and Metro fees is needed, including more certainty for files already in process.
Stress in alternative lending is part of a healthy market reset — and it's opening up opportunity for disciplined groups ready to act.