In an effort to address the housing crisis in BC, the Province made a number of significant changes to the legislation under which local governments operate. The City is implementing these changes along with our own programs towards more and better housing for all.
Transit Oriented Development Areas
There are five Transit Oriented Development Areas in New Westminster which are required by the Province to be designated in order to encourage more housing opportunities around transit hubs. Learn more about Transit Oriented Development Areas.
Small Scale Multi Unit Housing
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation required municipalities to pre-zone identified properties to allow a minimum of three to six units, depending on lot size and proximity to transit. Through the adoption of the City's Infill Housing Program, New Westminster is in compliance with the legislation. Learn more about Small Scale Multi Unit Housing.
Housing Supply Act and Target Order
In July 2024, the Province issued a Housing Target Order for New Westminster. The City is required to build 4,432 net new units over five years. Learn more about the Housing Supply Act and Target Order.
Public Hearings For Residential Redevelopments
As of November 30, 2023, public hearings are prohibited for housing focused rezoning applications that are consistent with the City's Official Community Plan (OCP). This will apply to a majority of the redevelopment applications in the city. Public notice is still required and will be issued prior to a development application advancing to Council for their consideration of approval.
Current public notices related to development applications can be found here and information on how to address Council can found here.
Short Term Rentals
Short term rentals are not permitted unless the operator has a valid Bed & Breakfast business license. Provincial legislation outlines which units can be used as a short term rental. However, the City's approach is more restrictive with the goal of returning those units to the long-term rental market in order to assist with increasing housing supply and affordability. Learn more information on operating or enforcement of short term rentals in New Westminster.
Development Financing
Development Cost Charges (DCCs) may now include collection for solid waste and recycling facilities, fire protection services, and police facilities. This helps the City pay for the infrastructure associated with new growth. The Province introduced an Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) which is intended to help fund community amenities such as youth or seniors' centres, recreational facilities, libraries, or daycares. The City of New Westminster adopted an Interim DCC Bylaw and an Interim ACC Bylaw. Learn more information on the City's interim programs.
Inclusionary Zoning and Affordability Measures
The Province recently released more tools for local governments related which are aimed to help create affordable units in new development. One of the new tools created is Inclusionary Zoning that allows local governments to secure affordable housing through adoption of an Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw. At this time, the City has decided to continue Inclusionary Housing program as a policy instead of integrating into the Zoning Bylaw. Learn more about the policy.
Housing Needs Report
A housing needs report identifies existing and projected gaps in housing supply. These needs are assessed by collecting and analyzing data about the local population, the economy, existing housing, and future trends as well as by listening to the perspectives of residents, businesses, and housing stakeholders. The Province requires local governments to prepare these reports regularly. The new legislation has updated and standardized the methods used in these reports. The results are also required to be integrated into long range planning (see below).
Read the City's latest Housing Needs Report, produced in 2024.
Long Range Planning
Local governments must now update their Official Community Plans every five years and plan for at least twenty years of housing needs. New Westminster's Official Community Plan (OCP) outlines the city's long-term vision, goals, and policies that guide decisions on planning and land-use management.
The City updated the OCP to meet the 20-year housing need identified in the Interim Housing Needs Report. These updates aim to enable homes that meet the diverse and growing housing needs of the community.