We are heading into one of the busiest times of the year for workers in the homebuilding industry and one would think that with all the government incentives and programs to spur construction, it would be even busier than usual.

Alexis Foster, executive officer of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association for this province, says some of the programs are restrictive in terms of the type of housing which qualifies. She says some of their members are telling them that the incentives have actually slowed development instead of sped it up.

While the programs are great in theory, Foster says governments have to consult more closely with industry.

She points to the provincial program to expand the supply of rental housing.

It’s for lower income, she says, which is great as we need all types of housing. But by keeping the program so restricted, we may be discouraging the development of more units, adds Foster.