A Guide to Gentle Density for Local Politicians

Housing is one of the most talked-about issues heading into the 2026 local elections. Residents across BC are asking questions about affordability, neighbourhood change, and whether their community is keeping up with housing demand. Voters are looking for candidates who can speak about it with clarity and confidence.

This guide outlines the questions you may hear on the doorstep, the facts to help you answer them, and the myths and traps that trip candidates up. It covers getting the conversation started, homes for every stage of life, cutting through red tape, paying for growth and planning ahead, who gets to build and who gets left out, housing affordability, and innovation in construction methods.

It’s a companion to our voter’s guide, which residents may already have in hand when they come to talk to you.