Province Updates TOA Manual to Support Housing and Amenities Near Transit Hubs

The Province has updated the Provincial Policy Manual: Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA manual) to support local governments in providing housing and amenities near transit hubs.

• TOA Manual Update: The TOA manual was released on Dec. 7, 2023, to guide local governments in implementing the new Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act, 2023, S.B.C. 2023, c.48 legislation, also known as Bill 47.
• Density Bonus Tool: The TOA manual now allows local governments to use existing base densities established in their zoning bylaws, even if below minimum allowable densities, when using the density bonus tool to secure affordable housing and public amenities in TOAs.
• Transition Plan: By mid-2025, local governments will shift to using new proactive planning tools, such as amenity cost charges, to secure affordable housing and community amenities through TOA development.