B.C.'s Transit-Oriented Development Program

Transit-oriented development (TOD) around major transit stations including SkyTrain stations and bus exchanges presents opportunities to build greener, more liveable communities for people. It will support the Province’s efforts to build more housing for families, meet their CleanBC climate targets, and unlock economic and social benefits for people across B.C. The ability of transit projects to help shape development and growth in B.C. and around the world has been well-documented, and the Province is working closely with municipalities to develop new transit oriented communities in a city near you.

The B.C. government has passed two pieces of legislation to enable transit-oriented development to happen more quickly and easily. In Spring 2022, the Province passed Bill 16, which for the first time allows the Province to acquire land specifically for housing and community amenities near transit hubs. Previously, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure was only able to purchase land for transit-related projects.

April 5, 2022 - Province to increase housing, services near transit hubs

Late last year, the Province passed legislation requiring local governments to designate high-density “transit-oriented development areas” near transit stations and major bus exchanges. This legislation ensures that transit-oriented development areas are defined, and that transit-appropriate densities near transit stations cannot be rejected based on density alone.

November 8, 2023 - Legislation introduced to deliver more homes near transit hubs