In 2023 the Province of BC introduced legislation to increase housing supply across the province. By June 30, 2024 the City is required to adopt bylaws to implement Transit Oriented Areas and Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing.
*New* Attend an upcoming open house!
We want your input!
Join us at an upcoming open house to learn about the City's proposed implementation approach, share your perspective, and provide feedback.
If you can't make it to one of the events, the online feedback form will run on this page until May 17, 2024.
We will also be sharing information and collecting feedback on the City's Abbotsforward 2050 OCP Update project.
Join us:
Feedback received throughout the engagement period will used to refine the City's approach and inform Council's consideration.
Transit Oriented Areas
Transit Oriented Areas (TOAs) are places near major public transit stations where the Province has required a minimum density and building height for residential development. So far, the Province has identified the area around Bourquin Bus Exchange as a TOA.
What is allowed within a TOA?
The City must not deny an application to rezone a property within a TOA on the basis of height and density, if the proposed height and density does not exceed:
| Density | Height |
| Within 200m of the bus exchange | 3.5 times the size of the property | 10 storeys |
| Within 400m of the bus exchange | 2.5 times the size of the property | 6 storeys |
In addition to the prescribed height and density, the City cannot apply minimum parking requirements for residential uses within the TOA. This means that the amount of parking provided will be determined by the developer based on local conditions and market factors. Parking requirements for people with disabilities and for non-residential uses will continue to apply.
For more information on Transit Oriented Areas, here is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions.
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, aims to make it easier to build more housing on properties that were previously only allowed single detached dwellings and/or duplexes. The legislation requires the City to permit at least one accessory unit (e.g. secondary suite) in all single detached dwellings and up to four units on most single detached and duplex lots.
For more information on Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, here is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions.
There are approximately 22,000 existing properties that will be impacted by the new rules, which must be adopted by June 30, 2024.
Finding the Right Balance
Implementing Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing requires making choices between space for housing, cars, and trees/yards. As a first step, the City is proposing a balanced approach.
To balance the need for housing with other important considerations like retaining room on the property for trees, yards, parking, and stormwater infrastructure, the City is pursuing a moderate approach to zoning changes.
Proposed Approach:
To strike a balance between housing, cars, and trees/yards, the City is exploring the following:
| What? | Why? |
| Attached Units | - Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing units must be located within one building.
| - This is consistent with existing zoning on the vast majority of eligible lots.
|
| Existing Zoning Regulations | - Subject SSMUH to existing building height, setbacks, lot coverage, and density requirements.
| - To maintain neighbourhood character and retain space for trees, yards, stormwater infrastructure, and parking.
|
| Lot Size | - Apply a minimum lot size of 540 square metres.
| - To ensure enough 'breathing room' on properties to accommodate the necessary housing, parking, and trees/yards.
|
| Parking | - Require a minimum of 1.5 parking stalls per dwelling unit, which is the same as for a 2+ bedroom apartment.
| - Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing units will be comparable in size to a large 2 or 3 bedroom apartment.
|
| Housing Tenure | - Limit Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing to non-stratified rental units.
| - To promote rental housing.
- To mitigate parking challenges
|
We want to hear from you!
Let us know what you think! Feedback will be used to refine the approach and will help inform Council's consideration in June.
In 2023 the Province of BC introduced legislation to increase housing supply across the province. By June 30, 2024 the City is required to adopt bylaws to implement Transit Oriented Areas and Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing.
*New* Attend an upcoming open house!
We want your input!
Join us at an upcoming open house to learn about the City's proposed implementation approach, share your perspective, and provide feedback.
If you can't make it to one of the events, the online feedback form will run on this page until May 17, 2024.
We will also be sharing information and collecting feedback on the City's Abbotsforward 2050 OCP Update project.
Join us:
Feedback received throughout the engagement period will used to refine the City's approach and inform Council's consideration.
Transit Oriented Areas
Transit Oriented Areas (TOAs) are places near major public transit stations where the Province has required a minimum density and building height for residential development. So far, the Province has identified the area around Bourquin Bus Exchange as a TOA.
What is allowed within a TOA?
The City must not deny an application to rezone a property within a TOA on the basis of height and density, if the proposed height and density does not exceed:
| Density | Height |
| Within 200m of the bus exchange | 3.5 times the size of the property | 10 storeys |
| Within 400m of the bus exchange | 2.5 times the size of the property | 6 storeys |
In addition to the prescribed height and density, the City cannot apply minimum parking requirements for residential uses within the TOA. This means that the amount of parking provided will be determined by the developer based on local conditions and market factors. Parking requirements for people with disabilities and for non-residential uses will continue to apply.
For more information on Transit Oriented Areas, here is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions.
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, aims to make it easier to build more housing on properties that were previously only allowed single detached dwellings and/or duplexes. The legislation requires the City to permit at least one accessory unit (e.g. secondary suite) in all single detached dwellings and up to four units on most single detached and duplex lots.
For more information on Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing, here is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions.
There are approximately 22,000 existing properties that will be impacted by the new rules, which must be adopted by June 30, 2024.
Finding the Right Balance
Implementing Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing requires making choices between space for housing, cars, and trees/yards. As a first step, the City is proposing a balanced approach.
To balance the need for housing with other important considerations like retaining room on the property for trees, yards, parking, and stormwater infrastructure, the City is pursuing a moderate approach to zoning changes.
Proposed Approach:
To strike a balance between housing, cars, and trees/yards, the City is exploring the following:
| What? | Why? |
| Attached Units | - Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing units must be located within one building.
| - This is consistent with existing zoning on the vast majority of eligible lots.
|
| Existing Zoning Regulations | - Subject SSMUH to existing building height, setbacks, lot coverage, and density requirements.
| - To maintain neighbourhood character and retain space for trees, yards, stormwater infrastructure, and parking.
|
| Lot Size | - Apply a minimum lot size of 540 square metres.
| - To ensure enough 'breathing room' on properties to accommodate the necessary housing, parking, and trees/yards.
|
| Parking | - Require a minimum of 1.5 parking stalls per dwelling unit, which is the same as for a 2+ bedroom apartment.
| - Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing units will be comparable in size to a large 2 or 3 bedroom apartment.
|
| Housing Tenure | - Limit Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing to non-stratified rental units.
| - To promote rental housing.
- To mitigate parking challenges
|
We want to hear from you!
Let us know what you think! Feedback will be used to refine the approach and will help inform Council's consideration in June.
