B.C.'s Transit-Oriented Development Program

The Province's Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Program is focused on unlocking the potential of publicly owned lands adjacent to rapid transit infrastructure to deliver high-density, mixed-use developments that respond to Provincial priorities.

What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)?

TODs are designed to create convenient access to stores, schools, restaurants, jobs, services and public transportation. They combine housing options that cater to diverse income levels. They create walkable and rollable communities, contributing to public health. They include public spaces that encourage social interaction, helping to combat social isolation while maintaining easy access to other areas via transit.

Ultimately, by pursuing more transit-oriented communities in B.C., we will create more accessible and environmentally-friendly urban spaces within 400-800 metres of frequent transit services.

Provincial TOD Program

The Province’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an approach that aligned land use and transportation planning to locate development within walking distance from frequent transit services. This means the provincial TOD program focuses on:

• Increasing market rental and affordable housing on provincially owned land to help meet Provincial housing targets.
• Improving access to jobs, services, and amenities along key transit corridors.
• Supporting mixed-use, transit-oriented development through collaboration with municipal land use planning processes.

The Province is currently focused on advancing four priority TOD projects.

• Uptown TOD – Saanich
• Moody Centre TOD – Port Moody
• 152 St. TOD – Surrey
• Esplanade TOD - North Vancouver

The Province and local governments will play a key role in setting policy, enabling infrastructure, and creating the conditions for successful Transit-Oriented Development. Housing delivery within these areas will be led by market participants - such as private developers and non-profit housing providers - fostering diverse partnerships and innovative solutions to meet community needs. 

TOD legislative Framework

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 Transit was only able to purchase land for transit-related projects.

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

In 2023, the Province passed legislation requiring local governments to designate high-density “transit-oriented development areas” (TOAs) 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

In these areas, local governments are required to: 

• Ensure that minimum levels of density established by the Province in regulations are allowed in Transit-Oriented Areas (TOAs). These will vary by municipality and may vary within the TOA. Local governments can approve densities that exceed the provincial regulations at their discretion
• Remove restrictive parking minimums for off-street residential and allow parking volumes to be determined by market need and demand
• Consider guidance and details in the provincial policy manual when planning or amending zoning bylaws

To learn more about Transit-Oriented Areas, please visit the program website.

Resources

• Transit-Oriented Areas