British Columbia

This study investigates how to right-size the amount of on-site and off-street parking allocated to new apartment building developments.

Key insights:

This technical report brought forward a number of new insights about street parking supply and utilization, for example:

• Apartment parking supply remains excessive relative to observed utilization. Apartment buildings close to frequent transit, whether or bus or SkyTrain, have lower parking supply and utilization
• The lower rates of parking utilization are associated with higher transit use as measured by the number of bus boardings near the buildings, and this relationship is stronger for rental apartment sites
• Street parking is inherently complex in mixed-use neighbourhoods. Some of the factors contributing to street parking use include visitors to non-residential land uses, such as restaurants, shops, and parks; apartment visitors on weekends, holidays, and special occasions; and some apartment residents parking on the street. Even with these factors, only a handful of surveyed street networks experienced persistently high street parking utilization.
• Finally, the 2018 Regional Parking Study highlights a challenge that remains unchanged from the 2012 Study. The design and capacity of current bicycle parking facilities in apartment buildings are discouraging their use by many residents.

The findings indicate that the parking supply in Metro Vancouver outpaces observed utilization, and apartments close to frequent bus and train transit networks display lower parking utilization rates. Parking in mixed-use neighbourhoods was observed to have unique trends that varied by time of day and weekday versus weekend and holiday travel.

This technical report was prepared by TransLink and Metro Vancouver.

This discussion guide provides an overview of housing affordability in Metro Vancouver, looking at trends in persons experiencing homelessness, available housing supply, rental housing supply, the purchase price of homes, and the percentage of homes with a core housing need.

Key insights:

Compiled by Simon Fraser University, this paper explores:

• The roles of different levels of government to produce and maintain affordable housing
• Alternative ownership and tenure models (include housing/equity co-operatives and collaborative housing)
• Affordable housing finance tools (including equity loans, community land trusts, and group mortgages)
• Cost saving models to reduce construction costs (including using modular pre-fab housing and micro units) along with each models’ advantages and challenges.

The BC Government’s dedicated web page aimed at providing information to prospective homeowners interested in building and managing a secondary suite or ADU property.

Key insights:

• This page has information for homeowners interested in building and managing a secondary suite or ADU, including a guide and information about the new BC Housing secondary suite incentive program (accepting applications April 2024).

• It provides FAQs & responses on secondary suite and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) are
• Articulates some of their benefits to homeowners (e.g., to provide multi-generational living opportunities and provide additional household income).

Further to this, the page links to Home Suite Home, a guide created by the province which details:

• Local zoning and building code requirements
• Guides homeowners through how to obtain a building permit, notes the rights and responsibilities of becoming a landlord, and provides information on where to find and hire professionals to develop a secondary suite.

Additionally, information is provided on the new Secondary Suite Incentive Program, which will give conditional financing to eligible homeowners to construct affordable attached or detached rental units.

This collaborative report from Happy Cities/ Hey Neighbour Collective summarizes discussions from municipal staff (planners & policymakers), developers, community organizations, and researcher perspectives on how to facilitate social connection in multi-unit housing.

Multi-unit residential buildings can help densify and increase housing supply in growing, land-constrained cities. If designed appropriately, multi-unit residences can also provide occupants the opportunity to lead more socially connected lives.

Key insights:

As the report outlines, elements for social connectedness were identified through group discussions, and included:

• Tenure alternatives
• Feeling safe
• Having exposure to other tenants.

Supportive policies (e.g., exploring alternative ownership models) and design features (e.g., creating clusters of smaller amenity spaces) were articulated to help advance these outcomes.

Along with key challenges, a roadmap is articulated to help collective evidence and increase awareness of the importance of social connection, and pilot the proposed concepts in new housing projects.

This paper recounts early-stage research conducted by the City of Vancouver on a variety of small-scale housing types.

Key insights:

The report outlines how a variety housing types, be they sixplexes, cottages, rowhouses, small lot infill or others, can work to advance the goals of creating ground-oriented, affordable, neighbourhood scale development.

An information sheet is provided for each housing form with a mock-up to display how new development can take shape on single or two-three lot consolidations in existing residential neighbourhoods.

Other areas explored include:

• Technical feasibility
• Marketability
• Ownership options

Report prepared by Patricia St.Michel – City Plans, Planning Department, Community Services Group, City of Vancouver

This report from BC Housing explores the tiny home typology and explores ways to regulate and legalize this built form within the context of BC.

The report provides sample cost estimates for building tiny homes, highlights opportunities (including build time and environmental impacts) and challenges (including building code and standard compliance) and discusses potential home warranty solutions.

The bulk of the resource features BC and North American case studies that delve into project details such as construction timelines, project financing, and lessons learned.

This report was compiled and crafted by the research and writing team of Anastasia Koutalianos, Writer and Co-founder BC Tiny House Collective; Christina Radvak, Project Manager at Light House; Joanne Sawatzky, Director of Green Building Services at Light House; and Sarah Jones, Project Coordinator at Light House.

Discover the benefits and challenges of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in small to medium-sized communities in insights from BC Housing.

Key Insights:

Explore the advantages of both attached and detached ADUs, addressing housing shortages and enhancing community vibrancy. Uncover the challenges, including costs and applicability on small lots, that equip small communities with the knowledge to unlock ADU potential for sustainable and affordable housing solutions.

Overcoming Hurdles:

Navigate zoning restrictions and tackle issues like parking and infrastructure. The report provides strategies for effective regulatory and building barrier management.

Best Practices:

The guide concludes with actionable best practices, complemented by implementation options and local case studies, offering practical guidance for communities in areas including:

• Expand Conditions: Permit ADUs by expanding conditions.
• Relax Parking Standards: Achieve positive outcomes by relaxing parking standards.
• Streamline Permitting: Optimize resources with streamlined permitting processes.
• Waive or Discount Fees: Encourage development by waiving or discounting fees.

For more information on BC Housing, head to their homepage.

Research and writing team:

• Ray Tomalty – Smart Cities Research Services
• Dan Wilson – WCS Engagement+ Planning
• Cheeying Ho – WCS Engagement+ Planning
• Devarsh Bhonde – Research Support

Key topics explored:

Accessory Dwelling Units; ADU benefit & risks; Conditions supporting ADUs; Common Barriers; ADU Strategies and Practices

Date published: 2021