Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection Measures

The British Columbia government is introducing new measures to help local governments build more affordable and livable communities, including tools to accelerate development approvals, require affordable housing in new developments, and protect tenants facing displacement due to redevelopment.

• Local governments will be able to require affordable housing units in new developments.
• Municipalities must conduct a financial feasibility analysis to determine the appropriate density needed to offset the costs of providing affordable housing.
• The Province will monitor the implementation of inclusionary zoning and have regulatory authority to ensure it does not deter needed housing development.

• The proposed changes aim to provide more consistency and transparency when developers and local governments use density bonus in exchange for amenities or affordable housing.

• Local governments will have an increased range of site-specific works and services they can require in new developments, such as wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and end-of-trip facilities.
• These measures are intended to support sustainable transportation and climate resilience.

• Municipalities will be able to require developers to provide support for tenants facing displacement due to redevelopment, including financial assistance, help finding a new home, and opportunities for right of first refusal on units in the new building.
• The TPB is a result of consultation with cities and stakeholders, and was recommended by the Province's 2018 Rental Housing Task Force report.

These legislative changes are part of the Province's Homes for People plan and are expected to be published in guidance for local governments in fall 2024.