Family Friendly Housing Policy
The Family Friendly Housing Policy was adopted in 2016 and updated in 2024 to ensure that housing development in New Westminster includes diverse options that meet the needs of households with children.
Requirements include a minimum percentage of two- and three-bedroom units in new multi-unit projects, as well mandated minimum sizes for units. Design guidelines and best practices are also provided to guide the creation of family inclusive homes and amenity spaces.
Background
Policy work was driven by research and consultation with families in New Westminster that identified a need for more homes with multiple bedrooms. As a result, the City was the first municipality in British Columbia to require a minimum percentage of two- and three- bedroom units in new multi-unit projects.
In 2024, the City conducted a Family Friendly Housing Policy update to strengthen the Policy and meet evolving community needs, changing economic conditions, and new Provincial housing legislation. Research and consultation identified an ongoing lack of housing for households with children. In response, the City increased the minimum percentage requirements for two- and three-bedroom units and mandated minimum unit size requirements. The update also includes more comprehensive unit design guidelines and best practices for creating socially connected, multi-unit residential developments.
Requirements
As of November 18, 2024 the following requirements apply to developments of 10 or more housing units:
Minimum Percentage of Family Friendly Units
|
Ownership Projects |
A minimum of 40% of total units are two- and three-bedroom units, with at least 15% of total units as three bedrooms or more. |
|
Rental Projects |
A minimum of 30% of total units are two- and three-bedroom units, with at least 10% of total units as three bedrooms or more. Effective November 18, 2026, all new multi-unit rental projects will be required to include a minimum of 35% two- and three-bedroom units, with at least 10% total units as three-bedrooms or more. |
Minimum Unit Size of Family Friendly Units
|
UNIT SIZE |
TWO-BEDROOMS |
THREE-BEDROOMS |
|
Ownership Projects |
753.5 square feet |
904.2 square feet |
|
Rental Projects |
699.7 square feet |
861.1 square feet |
Full details on the policy, including development requirements design guidelines, can be found in the 2024 Family Friendly Housing Policy document.