British Columbia Approves Bill 47: High-Density Housing Around Transit Stations

The British Columbia government has passed Bill 47, the "Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act," which aims to increase housing density near rapid transit stations. This legislation will significantly impact how municipalities plan development around public transportation hubs.

Key Points of Bill 47

• Requires municipalities to designate areas within 800 meters of rapid transit stations and 400 meters of major bus exchanges as transit-oriented development (TOD) zones.

• Mandates minimum density levels for development within TOD zones, allowing for taller buildings, potentially ranging from 8 to 20 stories.

• Eliminates most parking minimums for residential development in TOD zones, prioritising pedestrian-friendly living.

Impact on Vancouver

With its well-established SkyTrain network, Metro Vancouver is poised to see a significant shift in its development landscape. The legislation could lead to:

• Increased housing supply: More high-density housing near transit stations can help alleviate Vancouver's housing shortage.

• Improved transit ridership: Living closer to transit encourages residents to use public transportation, reducing car traffic and congestion.

• Revitalized neighbourhoods: TOD zones can attract businesses and amenities, creating more vibrant and walkable communities around transit stations.

Potential Concerns

While Bill 47 offers obvious benefits for Vancouver, there are reasons for concern.

• Character changes: Residents of low-rise neighbourhoods near future rapid transit stations might resist high-density development. The Metro Vancouver municipalities must quickly update community plans to provide a vision for high density with character. They also need to help longtime residents adapt to change in areas that haven’t been touched by development since World War II.

• Resistance to Rapid Transit: Bundling rapid transit with immediate urban transformation might lead other major BC metro areas (e.g., Victoria, Kelowna) to think twice about rapid transit. Developing new rapid transit systems can be expensive, and some cities might hesitate to invest if it mandates denser housing. Both the cost and the burden of transformational change might be a political battle too great for most municipal leaders.

Bill 47 represents a significant step towards building more housing and promoting transit use in British Columbia. However, its impact on smaller cities remains to be seen. They might require additional provincial support for successful implementation.