Bill 44/47 Bylaw & Policy Review

In late 2023, the Province of British Columbia introduced changes to the Local Government Act with the goal of increasing the speed and supply of new housing across BC. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/local-governments-and-housing/housing-initiatives

Municipalities, including the City of Colwood, are required to amend their Bylaws by June 30^th, 2024, to align with the following changes:

Bill 44 - Housing Statutes (Residential Development):

Bill 44 requires local governments to allow for increased density on lots currently zoned for single family and duplexes, provided they are connected to water and sewer services and limits the use of public hearings for certain residential projects that are consistent with the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaws.

Note that Colwood zoning already meets these requirements. Provisions that permit both a secondary suite and Accessory Dwelling Unit (i.e., garden suites or carriage homes) within residential zones, mean that none of the City’s residential zones are legally required to be amended for Bill 44 densities. However, the City will explore opportunities to improve existing infill housing policies in the 2024 Official Community Plan Update and Land Use Bylaw Update.

Bill 47 – Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas)

Bill 47 requires municipalities to designate land near rapid transit stations and major bus exchanges (i.e., Colwood Exchange) as Transit-Oriented Areas, and to permit development in accordance with prescribed minimum densities. The City must:

• Allow up to 10 storeys and 3.5 floor area ratio (FAR) within 200 m of the Colwood Bus Exchange;
• Allow up to 6 storeys or 2.5 FAR within 400 m of the Colwood Bus Exchange; and
• Eliminate minimum requirements for residential parking for units within 400 m of the Colwood Exchange area.

Note that in the case of the Colwood Exchange, the City’s Official Community Plan already targets heights and densities equal to or greater than the Province’s requirements. In all cases where residential parking requirements are required to be eliminated or reduced, developers are not precluded from providing parking spaces. The City may still set requirements for the number of accessible and non-residential parking spaces.

What the City is Doing

Staff are reviewing the content and regulations related to the new legislation and have hired a consultant to assist with implementing the changes. Together, they will be providing an overview of the legislation and general scope of the required bylaw amendments to Council as soon as possible to meet the Provincial deadlines.

Next Steps

The following is an overview of the next steps the City will undertake towards meeting the Provincial mandate:

• Develop Options for Bylaw Amendments
• Launch Survey for Public Input
• Hold Public Information Session at Ideas Fair – April 27^th
• Present Bylaw Amendments to Council – anticipated May 27^th
• Adopt Zoning Bylaw and OCP Amendments – anticipated June 10^th
• Undertake policy review for infill housing and financing for amenities and services
• Provide Strategic Directions on additional OCP and Zoning Bylaw amendments for consideration by Council
• Update the Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) by the Provincial deadline of January 1^st, 2025
• Update the OCP and Zoning Bylaw to align with the HNA by December 31, 2025

Stay Informed

The City of Colwood is committed to keeping its community informed about the Provincial changes. Here’s how you can stay informed:

• Check Let’s Talk Colwood regularly for updates
• Complete the stakeholder survey (launch expected at the beginning of April)
• Attend the Colwood Ideas Fair (April 27)
• Attend upcoming Council Meetings (stay tuned for dates)