B.C.’s new housing rules could have ‘enormous unintended consequences,’ warns Coquitlam mayor

Some of the province’s attempts to assuage the housing affordability crisis could be ineffective or even counterproductive, according to Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart.

The province recently pledged to introduce new legislation that would allow for more townhomes, triplexes and laneway homes. The new rules would require most municipalities to allow three or four units on lots zoned for single-family houses, as well as six units on larger lots close to transit hubs.

Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of the legislation, adding that the housing affordability crisis is exacerbated by the “outdated zoning rules” that persist in many municipalities.

“Constructing mostly high-rise condo towers or single-family homes means B.C. isn’t building enough small-scale multi-unit homes that fit into existing neighbourhoods and give people more housing options that are within reach,” Eby stated in a press release earlier this month.

However, a “one-size fits all” approach to housing could result in “enormous unintended consequences,” according to Stewart.

Allowing four units on a lot may lead to a population increase in neighbourhoods without the necessary infrastructure or the school capacity, Stewart said.

There is also the issue of adding cars without adding parking spots.

“The parking wars, I think, are something every local government tries to avoid,” Stewart said, adding that the municipality’s efforts would largely be “out the window.”

The legislation is intended to make sure low-density areas are zoned for the types of housing people need, according to a Ministry of Housing spokesperson who asked not to be identified.

The legislation is a baseline requirement, and local governments will have the flexibility to zone for higher density, according to the spokesperson.

“As new, higher-density supply is created, the net increase in homes is expected to positively impact renters broadly, creating more housing options for those who need it,” the spokesperson wrote in an email to the Dispatch.

That new legislation could backfire, ultimately resulting in less housing in some areas, Stewart warned.

It might make more economic sense for a landowner to build four new houses rather than entering into a land assembly that could facilitate townhouses.

“Those are the areas that we’re desperately trying to get owners to allow for redevelopment into townhouse or into mid-rise,” Stewart said. “We could end up losing housing that is currently in our [Official Community Plan].”

Stewart said he wasn’t criticizing the intent of the proposed legislation, only its execution.

“Unfortunately, one-size fits all almost always doesn’t,” he said.

Another area of concern for Stewart was the province’s new requirements on accessibility. Requiring a larger bathroom would add about 80 square feet to the unit.

“In a housing affordability crisis where a square foot of condo is selling for $1,000, that’s an enormous cost that residents have to pay,” Stewart said. “That first-time buyer who isn’t contemplating a wheelchair-accessible bathroom is drummed out of the market.”

The Ministry of Housing spokesperson defended the requirement, stating that investing in more accessible housing will provide long-term benefits to all British Columbians.

Stewart also voiced concern about previously-approved projects.

“If the timing continues to be year-end, then a number of projects for which we’ve already given approval will die because they were approved with smaller bathrooms,” he said.

The adaptability and accessibility standards will only apply to new buildings and the alteration of existing buildings, according to the spokesperson.

“Building permits applied for before the date established in the Ministerial Order will generally not be affected,” the spokesperson stated.

The province will likely adopt an updated B.C. Building Code “early next year.” The Ministry of Housing is currently reviewing feedback on the proposed changes.