B.C. tables law to boost housing development around transit

VICTORIA — B.C.’s Transportation Act is getting updates that are intended to improve housing near transit stations.

The province announced it has introduced variations that will empower the BC Transportation Funding Authority to acquire land to build housing and local community facilities in close proximity to any stations or exchanges.

The alterations, which are part of Monthly bill 16, had been tabled earlier this thirty day period by Rob Fleming, minister of transportation.

“Public transit isn’t just about having men and women from A to B, it’s also about developing greener and far more habitable communities,” reported Fleming. “We will raise the stage of inexpensive housing and expert services that are integrated into our sizeable investments in transit.”

The present-day act only permits the funding authority to purchase land for transportation projects, not transit-related advancement. The province stated this has made it tough to shape expansion around station sites, maximize housing density and help make entire, related communities close to transit.

Officials mentioned Bill 16 will make it possible for housing to be crafted in blended-use developments, along with kid treatment centres, retailers and industrial products and services, faculties and well being treatment centres, educational amenities, community accumulating spaces and recreation centres.

The province mentioned these transit-oriented developments are commonly found in an 800-metre radius of transit stations, the outside the house length from which individuals can quickly accessibility general public transit by walking, pedalling or making use of a mobility unit.

The province added the BC Transportation Financing Authority will be capable to deliver these projects by operating with local governments and a broad assortment of partners to attain liveable, transit-supportive communities.

Officials defined housing developments near transit hubs have been tested to raise transit ridership. For illustration, the Maritime Gateway housing and features growth close to Cambie Road and Southwest Maritime Drive contributed to a 35 per cent improve in ridership at the Maritime Travel transit station.