B.C.’s housing reform: Navigating recent legislative shifts

To tackle the on-going housing crisis, British Columbia has introduced groundbreaking legislative changes that reshape the province’s approach to zoning and housing policies. For homeowners and potential buyers, understanding these amendments is crucial, as it can influence housing choices, affordability and community dynamics.

Key pieces of legislation, including Bill 44: Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2023; Bill 47: Standards for Transit-Oriented Development Areas 2023; and the 2022 amendment to the Transportation Act, stand at the forefront of this paradigm shift.

Bill 44: Housing statutes amendment act, 2023

Introduced in November 2023, Bill 44 aims to encourage infill and gentle densification in underutilized areas across the province, making significant changes to the previously exclusive single-family lot. Focused on urban areas with populations exceeding 5,000, the legislation allows new housing types on traditional single-family lots, including small-scale, multi-unit homes such as secondary suites, laneway houses, townhomes, triplexes and house-plexes.

Currently, 75 per cent of Metro Vancouver is zoned for single-family homes, which historically, has been out of financial reach for most. By diversifying housing options on these lots, the legislation opens avenues for more affordable choices, fostering communities to be built for future generations. Although owning a single-family home remains an option, lifting restrictions empowers current and future homeowners to unlock equity within their properties they have already built to create potential homes for other family members, augment income and facilitate aging in place.

Bill 47: Standards for transit-oriented development areas 2023

Bill 47 focuses on promoting development around transit hubs to enhance urban density and sustainability. As cities expand, the need for transportation becomes critical, and proximity to housing near transportation hubs becomes paramount for livability.

A notable example is the proposed development around the Moody Centre SkyTrain station in Port Moody, announced on Nov. 27, 2023. Covering a two-acre government-owned parcel, the project envisions hundreds of rental units, childcare spaces, healthcare services, educational opportunities and retail spaces. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader transit-oriented development strategy, aiming to create communities where residents can easily access work, school and essential services in proximity to transit hubs. It also aligns with the government’s commitment to provide 10,000 housing units on provincially owned lands near transit hubs over the next decade as part of the Homes for People action plan.

Amendment to the Transportation Act

In 2022, the Transportation Act was amended to enable the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to purchase land near transit stations for transit-oriented developments.

To navigate these changes, all local governments will be required to update their Official Community Plan (OCP) every five years, aligning it with their Housing Needs Report (HNR), providing a 20-year outlook. This supports eliminating the need for one-off public hearings that historically have slowed down housing projects that already fit within the community plan. It’s important to note that in Vancouver, where the system is different, they’re exploring how these changes might apply in its unique context.

Widespread changes

These legislative actions represent sweeping changes toward addressing the pressing housing challenges faced across our region. They provide a standardized framework for diverse housing options, streamlined processes, and sustainable development around transit hubs for more affordable options across the entire housing continuum.

While legislative details still need to be worked out, one can be certain that change is in our future. When embarking on the journey to find a new home, consulting with your local municipal development office to understand the Official Community Plan will bode well, offering insights into the evolving landscape of housing opportunities. Whether you’re a homeowner or a potential homebuyer, this allows you to navigate the changing terrain with informed decisions.