In 2023, the Government of British Columbia announced a range of new housing rules to increase housing supply across the province. One of those rules requires cities to allow up to 3, 4, or 6 dwelling units to be built on certain properties.
The City has identified 19 zones encompassing 32 properties that must be amended to comply with the new rules. Additionally, restrictions on where coach houses may be built also need to be relaxed. These changes allow impacted property owners the opportunity to add more units to their property, should they want to. They do not set a minimum number of units that must be built.
The bylaw amendment will be considered by Council on June 9, 2025.
New Small-Scale Housing Zone - Under Development
In preparation for making the required changes, the City developed a new draft zone that would meet the intent of the province’s small-scale housing initiative, and could also be applied more broadly to include areas of the City where it makes sense to add more housing. That zone continues to be in development and areas where it may be applied are yet to be determined. The City will be engaging with community and industry over the coming months as work continues to finalize this zone.
Next Steps
June/July 2025
- Engagement with builders and the development industry on the draft zone and design guidelines.
- Community engagement on the draft zone, guidelines and implementation of the new zone.