B.C. Premier David Eby speaks during a news conference in Vancouver, on Nov. 3. The British Columbia government introduced legislation today it estimates could provide up to 100,000 new homes near designated transit areas over the next decade.The British Columbia government introduced legislation Wednesday it estimates could provide up to 100,000 new homes near designated transit areas over the next decade.
“We know housing affordability remains a challenge here in B.C.,” Kahlon said at a news conference after introducing the legislation. “Transit-oriented is one critical way of making sure we get these homes built. It’s good for people. It’s good for communities, and it makes the most of the transit infrastructure and the services people need in their communities.”
Outdated municipal zoning rules discourage development of multi-unit buildings on city lots, while the expansion of short-term accommodations cuts back on the long-term rental stock, the minister said. “These areas are defined as land within 800 metres of rapid transit stations like SkyTrain stations, and within 400 metres of major bus exchanges where passengers transfer from one route to another,” Kahlon said.