Vancouver already has some of the most stringent building codes in the province, now the Vancouver Police Department wants the city to double-down on building security features.
The VPD wants to improve codes and regulations that would make it harder for criminals to force their way into homes, meaning tougher doors and locks.
There are about 4,000 break-ins across Vancouver each year, but the price it will cost developers to implement better security features into buildings is just another item on an ever-increasing bill, say those in the industry.
“Whenever there’s a change in the building code, yes it improves the quality or the building science but it adds cost to building, so it’s really a trade-off,” said Bob de Wit of the Greater Vancouver Homebuilders Association.
But the VPD says there are small changes that can be made that won’t cost a fortune.
“There may be things in the building phase that you can do for very little money,” said VPD Sgt. Randy Fincham. “Putting an extra two-by-six in the door frame, spending an extra $5 on a door lock, which will prevent you two or three years down the road from having to throw away your lock and start over.”
Vancouver City Council is expected to discuss possible bylaw changes in the fall.
— With files from Aaron McArthur