EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Local governments across several cities, including Vancouver and New Westminster, have shown positive momentum towards adopting the provincially mandated Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA) policies. These cities, traditionally pro-development, are aligning their housing and transit strategies under the new framework without significant disruption to their ongoing projects.
Vancouver and New West stand out as early adopters, moving quickly to integrate TOA policies while continuing to emphasize affordability and density. Surrey and Port Moody have also embraced the changes, although some concerns around infrastructure remain amongst Mayor and Council alike.
– ISAAC FOORD, Personal Real Estate Corporation & Associate Vice President
TOA DESIGNATION
Local governments were required to designate all TOAs in their jurisdiction by bylaw on or before June 30, 2024.
As Official Community Plans and Neighbourhood Plans are created and amended over time, local governments must ensure that they align land use designations with the MD (minimum density) Framework. Local governments pro-actively zoning in TOAs must align zoning changes to the MD Framework by December 31, 2025.
CITY SUMMARY
- Vancouver – 29 Areas Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption June 26, 2024
- Surrey – 15 Areas Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption June 10, 2024
- Burnaby – 14 Areas Designated | TOA Bylaw to go back to Council October 24, 2024
- Coquitlam – 8 Areas Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption June 17, 2024
- Port Moody – 2 Areas Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption June 25, 2024
- New Westminster – 5 Areas Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption June 24, 2024
- Maple Ridge – 3 Areas Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption June 25, 2024
- Abbotsford – 1 Area Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption June 25, 2024
- Chilliwack – 1 Area Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption June 18, 2024
- Mission – 1 Area Designated | TOA Bylaw Adoption September 9, 2024
The provincially mandated framework and timeline is clear, but how are local governments adjusting and where are they at in their process? What is the litmus for council’s appetite for development? Are there any clarity on DCC/ACC or inclusionary requirements to suggest where the development community might be feeling bullish?
Download the FULL REPORT to find our city by city GUIDE revealing which cities are leading the pack in addressing legislated Transit Oriented change!
