On April 18, 2023, the province introduced legislation to deliver more homes faster in Vancouver by amending the Municipalities Enabling and Validating Act.

If passed, the amendments will help to create urgently needed supportive housing in Vancouver without delay, according to Housing Minister Ravi Khalon.

The province took action in response to a request from the City of Vancouver for legislative intervention to allow the Arbutus Project to move forward as soon as possible.

The Arbutus Project is a 13-storey, 129-unit mixed supportive and affordable housing development at 2086 and 2098 West 7th Avenue and 2091 West 8th Avenue, one block from the Millennium Line extension now under construction.

Vancouver council had approved a rezoning application in principle in July 2022 to allow the Arbutus Project to proceed. Consultation included six days of public hearings with 300 community residents participating and more than 2,000 written submissions.

However, the approval has been delayed because of a lawsuit filed by the Kitsilano Coalition who oppose the project saying community concerns had been ignored.

Premier David Eby has repeatedly told municipalities he would implement legislation to speed up approvals related to densifying neighbourhoods. If passed, this new legislation marks the first time the province will use government intervention to overcome NIMBY opposition to affordable housing development.

• Read Bill 26 – 2023: Municipalities Enabling and Validating (No. 5) Amendment Act, 2023 
• Read the government news release, Legislative action will streamline housing approvals in Vancouver.