West Vancouver passes multi-unit housing bylaws after ultimatum [Video]

The District of West Vancouver has passed bylaws that pave the way for multi-unit housing on single-family lots in the city.

The decision from the district’s council on Monday comes after the B.C. government had issued an ultimatum earlier this summer, with the housing minister threatening that the province would pass the rules itself and issue penalties if bylaws were not passed.

B.C. had introduced Bill 44 last November, with the rules asking municipalities to change zoning rules to allow for four-unit buildings on single-family lots and up to six units on lots near transit hubs.

West Vancouver’s mayor and many councillors were vehemently opposed to the rules, arguing that the province did not recognize the nature of housing in the area, but a provincial deadline and the ultimatum meant they had to budge.

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