HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-23 Council Workshop Agenda and Reports.pdf1.CALL TO ORDER
1.1 Territory Acknowledgement
The City of Maple Ridge carries out its business on the traditional and
unceded territories of the Katzie (q̓ic̓әy̓) First Nation and the Kwantlen
(qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼәn̓) First Nation.
2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3.MINUTES
3.1 Adoption of Minutes – April 9, 2024
4.PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL
5.UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Maple Ridge Housing Strategy – Draft Road Map
Review of the draft road map setting out key strategies to strengthen City’s
response to housing issues, alignment with new provincial requirements around
land use, and support municipal innovation in tackling the housing crisis.
RECOMMENDATION:
For feedback.
6.CORRESPONDENCE
7.BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST / QUESTIONS FROM
COUNCIL
8.MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
9.ADJOURNMENT
Cit\oI0DSOHRidge
C28NC,/ :2RKSH23 A*(NDA
APRIL 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM
BLANEY ROOM
With Virtual 2nlin e Participation
The purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and other items of interest to Council. Although resolutions may be passed at this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decision to send an item to Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more information or clarification.
The meeting is live streamed and recorded by the City of Maple Ridge
City of Maple RidgeCOUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDAApril 23, 202411:00 AMVirtual Online Meeting including Council ChambersThe purpose of the Council Workshop is to review and discuss policies and other items of interest toCouncil. Although resolutions may be passed at this meeting, the intent is to make a consensus decisionto send an item to Council for debate and vote or refer the item back to staff for more information orclarification. The meeting is live streamed and recorded by the City of Maple Ridge1.CALL TO ORDER1.1 Territory AcknowledgementThe City of Maple Ridge carries out its business on the traditional andunceded territories of the Katzie (q̓ic̓әy̓) First Nation and the Kwantlen(qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼәn̓) First Nation.2.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA3.MINUTES3.1 Adoption of Minutes – April 9, 20244.PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL5.UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS5.1 Maple Ridge Housing Strategy – Draft Road MapReview of the draft road map setting out key strategies to strengthen City’sresponse to housing issues, alignment with new provincial requirements aroundland use, and support municipal innovation in tackling the housing crisis.
RECOMMENDATION:
For feedback.
6.CORRESPONDENCE
7.BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST / QUESTIONS FROM
COUNCIL
8.MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT
9.ADJOURNMENT
Document:3768864
CITY OF MAPLE RIDGE
COUNCIL WORKSHOP MINUTES
APRIL 9, 2024
The Minutes of the Council Workshop Meeting held virtually and hosted in the Blaney Room on April 9, 2024 at 11:00 am at City Hall, 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, British Columbia for the purpose of transacting regular City business. PRESENT Elected Officials Councillor K. Carreras Councillor O. Dozie (Virtual) Councillor S. Schiller Councillor J. Tan (Virtual) Councillor A. Yousef ABSENT Mayor D. Ruimy Councillor J. Dueck
Appointed Staff S. Hartman, Chief Administrative Officer C. Mushata, Corporate Officer, Director of Legislative Services Other Staff as Required M. Best, Interim Director of Planning C. Bevacqua, Clerk 3 C. Cotroneo, Manager of Community Recreation P. Frederick, Community Coordinator A. Grochowich, Manager of Community Planning M. Halpin, Manager of Transportation J. Khaira, Manager of Engineering Design & Construction Z. Lifshiz, Director, Strategic Development, Communications and Public Engagement M. McMullen, Manager of Development & Environmental Planning C. Martin, Director of Recreation Services C. Neufeld, Manager of Parks Planning & Development R. Ollenberger, Manager of Development Engineering V. Richmond, Director of Parks & Facilities D. Samson, Interim Fire Chief T. Thompson, Director of Finance T. Westover, Director, Economic Development J. White, Planner 1 Note: These Minutes and a video of the meeting are posted on the City’s Web Site at https://mapleridge.primegov.com/public/portal Note: Councillor Dozie and Councillor Tan joined the meeting virtually. 1. CALL TO ORDER – 11:00 am 1.1 Territorial Acknowledgement The Chair provided the territory acknowledgement.
Council Workshop Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Page 2 of 4
Document:3768864
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 2.1 Approval of Agenda R/2024-WS-011 Moved and seconded THAT the agenda of the April 9,2024, Council Workshop Meeting be approved as circulated. CARRIED 3. MINUTES 3.1 Minutes R/2024-WS-012 Moved and seconded THAT the following minutes of the be adopted as circulated:
• Council Workshop – February 27, 2024
• Special Council Workshop – March 5, 2024 CARRIED 4. PRESENTATIONS AT THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL - Nil 5. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Accessibility and Inclusiveness Strategy Staff report dated April 9, 2024, update on the development and outcome of the City of Maple Ridge Accessibility and Inclusiveness Strategy. For information, discussion and Council feedback. The Community Coordinator gave a presentation and answered questions of Council. 5.2 Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan Update and Proposed Next Steps Staff report dated April 9, 2024, update on the on-going work for the Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan and next steps for Council’s consideration. J. White, Planner 1, provided a presentation and the Manager of Community Planning and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions of Council.
Council Workshop Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Page 3 of 4
Document:3768864
R/2024-WS-013 Moved and seconded 1. That staff continue to review the Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan, as outlined in the report titled, Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan Update and Proposed Next Steps”, dated April 9, 2024. 2. The staff proceed with Public Engagement Option 1, as outline in the report titled, “Lougheed Transit Corridor Area Plan Update and Proposed Next Steps”, dated April 9, 2024. CARRIED 6. CORRESPONDENCE – Nil 7. BRIEFING ON OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST/QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL – Nil 8. MATTERS DEEMED EXPEDIENT – Nil 9. NOTICE OF CLOSED MEETING 9.1 Resolution to Exclude the Public R/2024-WS-014 Moved and seconded The meeting will be closed to the public pursuant to Sections 90(1) and 90(2) of the Community Charter as the subject matter being considered is related to the following:
• Section 90(1)(b) – personal information about an identifiable individual who is being considered for a municipal award or honour, or who has offered to provide a gift to the municipality on condition of anonymity.
• Section 90(1)(d) – the security of the property of the municipality;
• Section 90(1)(l) discussions with municipal officers and employees respecting municipal objectives, measures and progress reports for the purposes of preparing an annual report under section 98 [annual municipal report]
• Section 90(2)(b) – the consideration of information received and held in confidence relating to negotiations between the municipality and a provincial government or the federal government or both, or between a provincial government or the federal government or both and a third party.
Any other matter that may be brought before the Council that meets the requirements for a meeting closed to the public pursuant to Sections 90(1) and 90(2) of the Community Charter or Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. CARRIED
Council Workshop Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024 Page 4 of 4
Document:3768864
10. ADJOURNMENT – 2:56 pm ______________________________________ Councillor K. Carreras, Chair ___________________________________ C. Mushata Corporate Officer
~ Maple Ridee -
TO:
FROM:
His Worship Mayor Dan Ruimy
and Members of Council
Chief Administrative Officer
MEETING DATE:
FILE NO:
MEETING:
SUBJECT: Maple Ridge Housing Strategy -Draft Road Map
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
April 23, 2024
13-6440-20
Workshop
The 2024 Housing Strategy updates the City's approach to housing so that the City can equitably meet the
needs of current residents, accommodate projected growth, and better address the current housing crisis.
With new legislative requirements from the Province of BC, municipalities in Metro Vancouver and beyond
are required to significantly reconsider land use on single-family lots and around transit stations. The 2024
Housing Strategy provides a much-needed update to the 2014 Housing Action Plan. This report sets out
the draft road map for Council discussion.
RECOMMENDATION:
For feedback.
1.0 BACKGROUND:
Completion of a Housing Action Plan was a requirement of the 2011 Regional Growth Strategy, and the City
of Maple Ridge endorsed a Housing Action Plan in September 2014, and an Implementation Framework in
September, 2015. Over the last decade, the City progressed a number of housing initiatives, which was
summarized and presented at the January 24, 2023 Council Workshop. Originally, the strategies were
organized by time horizons that aligned with Council mandates:
• Short Term -2014 to 2018
• Medium Term 2019 to 2022
• Long Term -2023 onwards
• On-going
It is well timed for an updated Housing Strategy to strengthen the City's response to housing issues, align
with new provincial requirements around land use, and support municipal innovation in tackling the housing
crisis.
2.0 DISCUSSION:
The draft Housing Needs Report (HNR) indicated that the current housing crisis is impacting a cross-
sectional of demographics in Maple Ridge, including those who rent, own, are in public housing, or are
experiencing homelessness. The HNR reported that the income-to-housing cost disparity in the City is
continuing to increase, low rental vacancy rates are restricting housing choices, and ownership tenure
continues to drive development even while being inaccessible to growing numbers of current and
prospective residents. These factors contribute to high rates of households experiencing core housing need
#3774368 Page 1 of 3
or that are otherwise unable to access housing (e.g. households younger households are not forming due
to cost and availability of housing). This pressure is also adversely impacting a number of equity-deserving
groups in the community (e.g. senior households, Indigenous households, immigrants and newcomers, etc.).
The HNR also projects the City will welcome approximately 6,532 new households between 2023 and 2028
and a further 4,102 new households by 2033, due to growth alone.
To ensure everyone who wants to call Maple Ridge home can realistically do so, the 2024 Housing Strategy
focuses on the following five key strategies:
1. Prioritize Needed Forms of Housing
a. Develop a transparent, sliding-scale incentive program that supports housing across the
housing network
b. Review and expand density bonusing policy
c. Determine feasibility of implementing inclusionary zoning
d. Update Revitalization Tax Exemption Program
2. Strengthen Renter Protections
a. Update tenant relocation assistance policy and modular park home redevelopment tenant
assistance policy
b. Monitor need for a strata conversion bylaw
c. Explore development of rental replacement policies
d. Explore use of residential rental tenure zoning (RRTZ) in key areas
3. Address Barriers to Development
a. Implement pre-zoning
b. Streamline development approvals process
4. Promote Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
a. Partner with organizations addressing homelessness to strengthen services
b. Adopt adaptable housing standards
c. Strengthen connections with newcomer and Indigenous housing providers
d. Support housing initiatives for under-served demographics
5. Advocacy and Education
a. Promote new funding for housing to developers and the public
b. Advocate to senior government for resources to support growth and affordability
3.0 TIMELINE & NEXT STEPS:
The new legislation does require that an interim Housing Needs Report, that reflects anticipated housing
needs in Maple Ridge for the next 20 years, must be endorsed by December 31, 2024. The City must then
update the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw by December 31, 2025, to align the City's land use
designations and zones with the projected housing needs outlined in the Housing Needs Report.
Subject to the finalization of the provincial regulations, it is anticipated that the final Housing Needs Report
and Housing Strategy will come before Council for endorsement in Q3 2024.
#3774368 Page 2 of 3
4.0 STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT:
Updating the City's Housing Strategy is an initiative under the Liveable Community Pillar of the 2023-2026
Strategic Plan.
CONCLUSION:
The 2024 Housing Strategy updates the City's approach to housing so that the City can equitably meet the
needs of current residents, accommodate projected growth, and better address the current housing crisis.
With new legislative requirements from the Province of BC, municipalities in Metro Vancouver and beyond
are required to significantly reconsider land use on single-family lots and around transit stations. The 2024
Housing Strategy provides a much-needed update to the 2014 Housing Action Plan. This report sets out
the draft road map for Council consideration and discussion.
"Original Signed by Amanda Grochowich"
Prepared by: Amanda Grochowich, MCIP, RPP
Manager of Community Planning
"Original Signed by Marlene Best"
Approved by: Marlene Best, RPP, MBA
Interim Director of Planning
"Original Signed by Scott Hartman"
Concurrence: Scott Hartman
Chief Administrative Officer
Attachment:
Appendix A: Maple Ridge Housing Strategy Draft Road Map and Actions
#3774368 Page 3 of 3
APPENDIX A
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... 1
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 2
1. lntroduction .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1. Purpose of the Strategy .................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Municipal Role in Housing .............................................................................................. 5
2. Key Housing Issues in Maple Ridge ........................................................................................ 8
2.1 . Planning for Growth ........................................................................................................ 8
2.2. Strong Need for Purpose-Built Rental. ............................................................................. 8
2.3. Affordability ................................................................................................................. 1 O
2.4. Equity Considerations .................................................................................................. 1 O
2.5. OCP Capacity Considerations ...................................................................................... 11
3. Strategies ........................................................................................................................... 12
3.1. Prioritize Needed Forms of Housing .............................................................................. 12
3.2. Strengthen Renter Protections ...................................................................................... 19
3.3. Address Barriers to Development ................................................................................. 20
3.4. Promote Equity and Inclusion in Housing Initiatives ....................................................... 22
3.5. Advocacy and Education .............................................................................................. 23
4. Next Steps and Implementation ....................................................................................... 25
Sources ..................................................................................................................................... 26
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Executive Summary
The 2024 Housing Strategy updates the City's approach to housing so that the City can equitably
meet the needs of current residents, accommodate projected growth, and better address the
current housing crisis. With new legislative requirements from the Province of BC, municipalities in
Metro Vancouver and beyond are required to significantly reconsider land use on single-family lots
and around transit stations. The 2024 Housing Strategy provides a much-needed update to the
2014 Housing Action Plan . The City also updated its Housing Need Report (HNR) concurrently with
the development of this strategy [pending finalization of provincial regulations].
The HNR indicated that the current housing crisis is impacting a cross-sectional of demographics in
Maple Ridge, including those who rent, own, are in public housing, or are experiencing
homelessness. The HNR reported that the income-to-housing cost disparity in the City is
continuing to increase, low rental vacancy rates are restricting housing choices, and ownership
tenure continues to drive development even while being inaccessible to growing numbers of
current and prospective residents. These factors contribute to high rates of households
experiencing core housing need or that are otherwise unable to access housing (e.g. households
younger households are not forming due to cost and availability of housing). This pressure is also
adversely impacting a number of equity-deserving groups in the community (e.g. senior
households, Indigenous households, immigrants and newcomers, etc.). The HNR also projects the
City will welcome approximately 6,532 new households between 2023 and 2028 and a further
4,102 new households by 2033, due to growth alone.
To ensure everyone who wants to call Maple Ridge home can realistically do so, the 2024 Housing
Strategy focuses on the following five key strategies:
1. Prioritize Needed Forms of Housing
a. Develop a transparent, sliding-scale incentive program that supports housing
across the housing network
b. Review and expand density bonusing policy
c. Determine feasibility of implementing inclusionary zoning
d. Update Revitalization Tax Exemption Program
2. Strengthen Renter Protections
a. Update tenant relocation assistance policy and modular park home redevelopment
tenant assistance policy
b. Monitor need for a strata conversion bylaw
c. Explore development of rental replacement policies
d. Explore use of residential rental tenure zoning (RRTZ) in key aras
3. Address Barriers to Development
a. Implement pre-zoning
b. Streamline development approvals process
4. Promote Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
a. Partner with organizations addressing homelessness to strengthen services
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b. Adopt adaptable housing standards
c. Strengthen connections with newcomer and Indigenous housing providers
d. Support housing initiatives for under-served demographics
5. Advocacy and Education
a. Promote new funding for housing to developers and the public
b. Advocate to senior government for resources to support growth and affordability
These strategies are intended to strengthen the City's response to housing issues, align with new
provincial requirements around land use, and support municipal innovation in tackling the housing
crisis.
urban matters
1. Introduction
Maple Ridge is in the grip of an acute housing crisis that is being felt across Metro Vancouve r and
Southwestern BC. This crisis is not just a statistic but a reality that is impacting all demographics
and threatening the quality of life for current and future Maple Ridge residents. Between 2006 and
2021, median household incomes in Maple Ridge, already higher than regional averages, saw an
increase of 22%. In stark contrast, monthly rental and home sale prices rose by approximately 80%
and 250%, respectively. This disparity between income and housing costs is particularly impacting
at-risk residents, such low-income households and other equity-deserving demographics.
Since the 2021 HNR, the City has completed and is currently undertaking several housing initiatives
to increase housing supply, affordability, and inclusivity, and to streamline the development
approval process. This work includes but is not limited to the following.
• Reducing off-street parking requirements for certain properties in the CBD {2024)
• An update to the Tenant Relocation Policy (2023)
• Expansion of the Detached Garden Suite program {2023)
• An update to Density Bon using Policy for affordable housing {2023)
• An update to Community Amenity Contribution program {2022)
• Expanding the Support Recovery Housing in Residential Areas program (2021)
1.1. Purpose of the Strategy
The purpose of the 2024 Maple Ridge Housing Strategy is to outline how housing can made more
affordable and inclusive. This Housing Strategy creates a framework for how Maple Ridge can
increase housing affordability, incorporate recently introduced provincial legislation, reduce
development constraints, and increase the supply of rental and other priority forms of housing.
The Strategy focuses on ensuring that all elements of the Housing Network/Wheelhouse are
considered, and that municipal policy initiatives focus on providing a balance of all housing types,
with an emphasis on those that may need the most support. The Housing Network is a concept that
demonstrates the full range of types and tenures of housing, including seasonal shelters and
homeownership. As an illustration, the Network has two purposes-to provide readers with an "at-
a-glance" look at the different kinds of housing that comprise a complete community and as a tool
to identify gaps in the housing market. The Network has been envisioned to supplement the
concept of a Housing Continuum, as the linear nature of a continuum may assume upward mobility
is desirable. The Network reflects the diversity of choice that is needed to support changing life
circumstances; households can move around the Network as needed -there is no determined
pathway and no desired end goal.
Figure 1: The Housing Network
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•· AA ,., ,,_ . . ,,, ---• ,a ·=· ,,, i, .. -~-, T • • . • ~,, l , ;!,
~ ,.,, --·~ .,· .,: -. .~--
1.2. Mun icipal Role in Housing
Municipalities play an active role in housing policy and development to ensure the housing needs of
diverse demographics are met. Municipalities will continue to rely on longstanding tools that guide
what is built and how it is built include: Official Community Plans, land use bylaws, design
guidelines, and policy strategies continue to form the basis for long-term land use in communities.
However, municipalities are also exploring innovative ways to increase housing supply, such as
establishing Community Land Trusts, partnering with community organizations and non-profits to
activate under-utilized lands, and using development financial tools to ensure demand for
infrastructure, servicing, and community amenities is met.
Some common municipal roles in the housing sphere include:
• Facilitate development through planning and approvals
• Regulate and incentivize needed forms of housing
• Invest in priority housing forms through land contributions and grants
• Monitor housing trends (e.g. through Housing Needs Reports)
• Advocate to senior government for additional resources
• Educate the public on housing needs and gaps
• Partner to support needed housing and innovations in housing delivery
With some exceptions, municipalities have not historically built or operated affordable housing or
support services, and have instead partnered with other organizations within the housing system.
However, leading development of new affordable housing opportunities is a role some
municipalities are beginning to explore.
urban matters
Figure 2: Opportunities and Roles for Actors in the Housing System
OPPORTUNITIES
0
0 e
Facilitate development through
planning & approvals
Regulate & incentivize
Invest
AGENCIES/ ORGANIZATIONS
Local governments
Indigenous governments
Non-profits & other
community-serving organizations
Developers & builders
Senior government
Multi-sectoral cooperation
0 Monitor, resea rch 0 Build affordable housing & innovate
G Education & advocacy -Operate affordable housing
G Partnerships e Operate support services
ROLES IN THE HOUSING SYSTEM
ooeeeo
eeeooee
1. Provincial Legislative Changes
In 2023, the Province of BC made several significant legislative changes to the Local Government
Act that directly targeted the development of multi-family housing and the general under-supply of
housing across the province. The intent is to take a multi-pronged approach that will drive
significant increases in housing supply with a significant focus on densifying the least dense areas
in major Cities and areas near major public transportation infrastructure. The sweeping changes
were put forth in three separate bills as described below:
Bi/144 -Small Scale, Multi-Unit Housing
The SSMUH legislation is in effect for all communities with a population greater than 5,000 or that
are within an urban containment boundary. The UEL is within Metro Vancouver's urban
containment boundary and is thus impacted by the SSMUH legislation. The SSMUH legislation
includes the following as-of-right development considerations:
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matters
• 1 secondary suite and/or ADU in all single-family and duplex lots.
• 3-4 units per single-family and duplex lots
• 6 units per single-family and duplex lots near transit stops with frequent service.
Bi/146 -Development Financing
Bill 46 introduced changes to how municipalities can collect development charges. Bill 44
expanded the scope of what Development Cost Charges (DCCs) can be collected for and
introduced a new development financing called Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs), which will be
enforceable via bylaw. Amenity Cost Charges are intended to replace Community Amenity Charges
(CACs), which are determined on a case-by-case basis through negotiations between the
municipality and developers.
Bi/147 -Transit-Oriented Areas
The TOA legislation applies near rapid transit stations and bus exchanges, specifically for parcels
zoned residential. The TOA legislation stipulates specific density requirements within 800 meters of
rapid transit infrastructure. Table 1 shows the required densities at rapid transit stations (SkyTrain)
and bus exchanges.
Table 1: Prescribed Land Use Considerations for Transit-Oriented Development
ransit Hub Type Prescribed Distance Building Height (Storeys)
<200m Upto 5.0 Upto20
Rapid Transit 201-400m Upto4.0 Up to 12
401-800m Upto3.0 Upto8
<200m Upto4.0 Up to 12
Bus Exchange
201-400m Upto3.0 Upto8
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2. Key Housing Issues in Maple Ridge
The 2024 Housing Needs Report (2024 HNR) identified several key housing issues and growth
trends occurring in Maple Ridge. This section provides an overview of the key findings of the 2024
HNR.
2.1. Planning for Growth
Maple Ridge is a rapidly growing community that has experienced an increase of approximately
22,000 new residents and 8,200 new households between 2006 to 2021, as shown in Error! R
eference source not found ..
Approximately four-fifths of all housing in the City is owned, while about one-fifth is rented .
Between 2023 and 2028, the City is projected to see the addition of 4,500 new households and a
further 4,100 new households between 2028 to 2033. Additionally, to create a complete
community, one that has access to daily needs, essential services, parks, employment, and
entertainment, new growth needs to focus on densifying neighbourhood centres, including the
Town Centre, the Hammond Area, Transit-Oriented Areas, and Major Transit Corridors.
Figure 3: Population and Household Growth 2006-2033
140,000
11 8,250
120,000 108,561 ----100,000 90,990 ---,-.... ---------
~
~---_:~:.----8:.:2:,2:.:5~6-----~-76,052
80,000 68,949 -60,000
39,979 44,081
40,000 24,:94:o:,_ ____ 2a_,_04_5 _____ 30_,2_6_5 ____ 3_3_,_11,: _ -----------------
20,000
0
2006 2011 20'16 2021 2026 2031
-Population ---Households
2.2. Strong Need for Purpose-Built Rental
Renters represent a growing number of households in Maple Ridge and neighbouring communities,
as shown in Figure 4. While the overall proportion of renters remains low compared to the region
(which is 37.8% renter households), the high-cost of ownership and a growing gap between income
and cost of ownership are likely to drive more demand for rental housing despite a relatively low
number of purpose-built rentals and a low vacancy rate. To accommodate a diverse and inclusive
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population in Maple Ridge, a greater proportion of new housing needs to be rental. Despite
increased costs, rental housing remains more affordable than ownership for median-earning
households by type (e.g. couples with children, single-parent families, etc.).
Figure 4: The Proportion of Rental Housing in Comparable Neighbouring Municipalities 2006-2021
50.0%
40.0% 39.3% 37.2%
30.0%
19.2% 20.8%
20.0%
18.6% 20.5%
I
18.1%
10.0%
0.0% I 13.4% I
Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Langley (Township) Langley (C ity)
■2006 ■2021
Source: Statistics Canada, Census Profiles for Maple Ridge, 2006, 2021
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2.3. Affordability
As with much of the region, a high proportion of households are experiencing core housing need. In
2021, Maple Ridge had 4,160 households in core housing need, of which about 4 7 .6% {1,980
households) were renters, despite renters only representing 20.8% of all households. Renters
disproportionately experience affordability issues, due to lower incomes than owner households:
28.7% of renters experienced core housing need in 2021, compared to 8.3% of owners. More than
10% of renters and 3.3% of owners experienced extreme core housing need in 2021.
This affordability gap means that Maple Ridge needs approximately 2,000 new affordable units over
the next twenty years to address this underlying need; about half of these should be affordable
rentals, while the remaining should be a mix of affordable and attainable ownership housing forms.
Additionally, a portion of the units intended to address population and household growth will need
to be affordable. Provincial guidelines for how to assess tiers of affordability is expected to be
forthcoming through new provincial regulations on Housing Needs Reports. The City is already
seeing significant growth in denser and infill forms of housing, which are typically more affordable
than single-family dwellings.
2.4. Equity Considerations
The 2024 Housing Strategy is intended to prioritize equity-deserving demographics, which are often
vulnerable to housing crises and fluctuations. The 2024 Housing Needs Report identified that the
following demographics (Figure 5) are at a higher risk of being core housing need.
Figure 5: Percentage of Households in Core Housing Need by Priority Population and Income Category, 2021
All Households
Single mother-led HH
HH head Under 25
Refugee led-HH
Black-led HH
New Migrant HH
Women-led HH
HH head Over 65
Indigenous HH
HH head Over 85
Visible minorities led-HH
HH with persons with physical or cognitive limitations
HH with persons with mobility limitations
Transgender or Non-binary HH
12.9%
20.2%
19.2%
17.1%
16.9%
15.7%
15.6%
14.8%
13.1%
10.1%
9.6%
8.2%
30.3%
29.1%
0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% 30.0% 35.0%
The demographics listed above, in addition to smaller households, moderate and lower-income
households, and renter households, are at acute risk of experiencing core housing need. As of
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2021, approximately 2,000, or 27% of 1-person households, are experiencing core housing need,
compared to only 11 % of 2-person households.
Homelessness remains an issue in the City, with an estimated 135 to 392 individuals experiencing
homelessness in Maple Ridge, according to the 2023 Point-In-Time Count and based on a per-
capita allocation of regional figures from the Integrated Data Project in 2021.1 The City is
increasingly taking an active role in reducing homelessness and poverty in Maple Ridge by exploring
opportunities for redevelopment of existing resources to better serve the community. In 2019, the
City of Maple Ridge implemented its Community Social Safety Initiative {CSSI), which was intended
to help provide support and services to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or substance
use and who were sheltering outside. In 2024, the City completed Thrive Maple Ridge: A Public
Well-Being & Safety Strategy, which outlines bold steps to support residents and their well-being
and represents an evidence-based model of well-being and safety.
2.5. OCP Capacity Considerations
As noted above {section 2.3) provincial guidelines on determining the 20-year housing need for
municipalities across BC is currently under development, and anticipated in coming weeks or
months. Under Bill 44, local governments are required to use Housing Needs Reports to calculate
20-year total number of housing units anticipated, based on underlying need {core housing need,
homelessness, suppressed household formation) and anticipated need {growth projections). It is
anticipated that much of this new capacity has been created in Maple Ridge through Transit-
Oriented Areas {TOA) and Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation. However, it will be
important to consider the anticipated uptake of these development opportunities. This analysis is
ongoing and will be considered as part of the final strategy.
1 h tt(Ls :/ /www2 .gov. b c¼c a/assets/gov /housing-a ncl -ten a nc_:,,/soc i a l-h ou sin g/suo oorti,1e-
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3. Strategies
3.1. Prioritize Needed Forms of Housing
Housing exists in a network, and it is vital that all components of this continuum are served. It is
important that the City prioritizes a wide range of housing from a land-use and regulatory
perspective, investments and incentives should be focused on those forms of housing that are
most needed in the community, as indicated by the household and demographic groups that are in
highest need.
Figure 6 provides a visual representation of the Housing Network. On the far left, there is housing for
individuals and families in crisis who need emergency shelters. are experiencing homelessness or
need some other forms of support. In the middle is below-market rental housing (including units
and rental subsidies) that supports independent renters. On the right are market rentals and
homeownership which requires little to no support. The current housing crisis is making it
increasingly difficult for people to access housing in the market, meaning that below-market forms
of housing are increasingly needed to support even moderate to middle-income earners.
Below is a list of priority housing types identified in the 2024 Housing Needs Report that the City
needs to prioritize.
Priority Housing Types
• Housing to address homelessness.
o Transitional housing
o Additional supportive housing
o Youth housing and supports
• Non-market and affordable rental housing, including for specific demographic groups.
o Seniors
o Immigrant households
o Indigenous households
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Figure 6: Sliding Scale of Incentives to Support a Range of Options Across the Housing Continuum
• Land contribution or
partnersl1ip
• Density banusing
opportunities for
non-profit projects
• Significant parking
reductions
• Fast track approvals
process and concierge
development service
• Prezoning for
density
• Clearer and
transparent
development
approvals
• Pre-approved designs
and site plans for
certain forms of infill
housing
• Explore and implement
non-permitted
accessory dwelling unit
compliance options
• Explore reduced
design requirements
• OCP designation and
prezoning
• Explore opportunities
for ·as of right' density
tl1at complements
provincial legislative
changes
• Explore wciiver or
reduction of
development
charges
• ·concierge·
development
service
• Density bonusing
opportunities
to support greater
affordability
• Parking recluctions in
proximity to transit
• Fast track approvals
process
• Explore reduced design
requirements
• Partial reduction of
development charges
i. Develop a Transparent, Slicling-Scale Incentive Program that Supports
New Development Across the Housing Network
It is important that the City creates a clear set of sliding-scale incentives that support the
development of priority housing while still capturing amenity contributions to ensure Maple Ridge is
a complete community with ready access to parks, daily needs, and essential services. Below is a
set of potential incentives the City can use to encourage affordable and rental housing.
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a. Land Contributions
Contributing municipally owned land to support the development of affordable housing can
significantly reduce the cost of development. A municipality can provide land through long-term
leases, affordable sales, or donation, to reduce the overall cost of development of affordable
housing.
Big Move: Develop a Land Strategy
A Land Strategy outlines the city's approach to the acquisition, disposition, and management of
municipally owned land. Through a land strategy a city can prioritize how to better use under-
developed land and outline how partnerships can support the development of priority housing
types and affordable housing.
Increasingly, municipalities are identifying land as a key barrier to the development of key forms
of housing, particularly affordable housing. While municipal land can play an important role in
supporting the development of new rental forms of housing, there are a number of avenues
municipalities can explore to activate under-utilized land, including:
• Identifying City-owned lands suitable for affordable housing projects;
• Identify other potential unused or under-utilized government lands, such as provincial or
federal sites, that can support housing to leverage senior government funding programs
(e.g. BC Builds)
• Partner with other landholders (e.g. non-profits, churches, private sector) to support
affordable housing development on non-traditional lands through partnership and
innovation;
• Assess the feasibility of a land acquisition strategy to determine whether what potential
acquisitions the City can support.
The City is already pursuing several of these avenues informally; however, formalizing the City's
approach to land use through a comprehensive strategy will strengthen the impact of these
activities.
b. Density Bonusing
Density bonusing is a tool that can grant developers additional density by meeting certain development
goals, such as a certain percentage of affordable housing. This tool is discussed in further detail under
Action ii.
c. Parking Reductions
The substantial cost of construction for residential parking is a significant factor in high rent and
sale prices, especially for higher-density developments. Reducing or eliminating minimum parking
requirements can significantly lower the cost of construction for developers and subsequently
lower housing costs. Reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements can also contribute to
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advancing other municipal goals, such as the transition to sustainable transportation. Due to the
limited transit frequency and available routes, initiatives to reduce or eliminate parking restrictions
in underserved areas must consider what available transportation options there are and potentially
include other transportation demand management tools.
d. Fast Track Approvals
A municipality can implement an expedited approval program for priority housing types. By
identifying the types of housing that the community needs in the immediate term, a municipality
can minimize the approval process by reducing wait times, waiving rezoning processes, and waiving
public hearing requirements. By creating a fast approval track for priority types of developments,
the cost associated with approval delays can be reduced for developers, and the most needed
types of housing can be built more quickly.
e. Reduced Design Requirements
Design requirements imposed through municipal bylaws and design guidelines are often necessary
to ensure proper design and form or achieve certain community goals such as livability and energy
efficiency targets. The City currently
However, overly strict design requirements can create barriers to development, adding costs both
to initial design and construction. Strict design requirements coupled with higher tier Step Code
requirements can add substantial cost to a project. Maple Ridge will explore opportunities to
reduce design requirements while still achieving the objectives of Step Code by simplifying
requirements. The City can also align its design requirements and targets with provincial and
federal funding sources to reduce the regulatory complexity for developers trying to receive funding
for the development of priority types of housing.
f. Waive Development Charges
Maple Ridge uses DCCs to levy a fee on development to pay for new or expanded infrastructure such
as sewer, water, drainage, parks and roads necessary to adequately service the demands of that new
development. These fees can be a significant cost to projects and typically will increase the
resulting rent or price of housing. Municipalities can choose to waive or partially waive these fees
for priority development types. Maple Ridge currently has a reduced DCC process for affordable
housing developments.
These waivers would come at a direct cost to the City. Therefore, the City must carefully evaluate
whether they can support the foregone revenue associated with waiving or reducing DCCs in
exchange for the affordable housing benefits provided, particularly for projects built by for-profit
developers. Since DCCs operate on the principle that growth pays for growth, excluding housing
projects from these fees forces the City to seek alternative sources of funding for major
infrastructure projects. In the case of non-market housing projects, municipalities typically will
draw from Affordable Housing Reserves to replace the forgone revenue.
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Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs), introduced in Bill 46-2023 is a new development finance tool that
allows local governments to collect funds for amenities like community centres, recreation centres,
daycares, and libraries from new development that results in increased population. ACCs operate
in a similar manner to DCCs in that they provide transparency and cost certainty for developers.
However, the act of site-by-site negotiations is lost through ACCs. As ACCs become more widely
applied, the City should considerthe waiver or reduction of ACCs on affordable housing projects to
help support overall affordability, and because these projects are intended to provide the
community amenity of affordable housing.
ii . Review and Expand Density Bonusing Policy
Density bonusing is a tool used by municipalities to grant
developers additional building density or height beyond
what is permitted by zoning on their site in exchange for
community benefits. Typically, in exchange for extra
density, municipalities require a certain proportion of
affordable housing; however, some Metro Vancouver
municipalities have extended this to include market
rentals.
The City's current Density Bonusing Policy applies to the
Innovation: Bonus Density Incentive
To further incentivize the development
of family housing -Do not count the
third bedroom of a three-bedroom unit
towards FAR. This has the potential to
encourage family housing in multi-
family housing developments.
Town Centre Area and Major Corridor Residential. It is recommended that the city expand the
Density Bonusing Policy to include TOAs and frequent transit corridors. Prioritizing these higher-
density areas enables the City to recapture community benefits that may have been previously
negotiated for during the rezoning process. The City has identified this as an initiative to undertake
as part of Council's 2024 Strategic Work Plan.
Recent legislative requirements (Bill 44-2023 & Bill 47-2023) to pre-zone land to permit small-scale
multi-unit housing and transit-oriented development (TOD) may change the municipal approach to
capturing community amenity value through the rezoning process in these areas. The rezoning
process typically involves a negotiation between the developer and the municipality, wherein the
municipality asks for certain types of community amenity contributions (CACs), such as parks,
community facilities, affordable housing, or in-kind volunteer cash contributions to fund similar
initiatives. ForTOAs, the Province has introduced an interim measure which permits local
governments to use the existing base densities established in their zoning bylaws for their density
bonusing programs.
The Province anticipates that by mid-2025, local governments will transition to using new proactive
planning tools to secure affordable housing and community amenities through TOA development,
such as amenity cost charges and other tools under ongoing development.
iii. Determine Feasibility of Implementing lnclusionary Zoning
lnclusionary Zoning is a tool through which a municipality can require specific percentages of units
in new residential development to be allocated for uses such as affordable housing, accessible
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housing, or any other housing that achieves community goals. Historically, inclusionary zoning in
BC has been undertaken through density bonusing provisions, where developers can receive
additional density in exchange for an affordable unit or cash contribution.
As of the writing of this draft of the Strategy, Bill 16 (2024) has received first reading in legislature.
Bill 16 includes provisions that allow local governments to implement mandatory lnclusionary
Zoning. This will allow local governments to require residential developments (in whole or in part)
within a zone to include a portion of affordable housing (as defined by the local government through
a bylaw), including the portion of units to be provided, the size, ownership, management, and
tenure of said units, and the duration of time associated with affordability conditions. This includes
transit-oriented areas, and includes provisions for a cash-in-lieu alternative for developers.
Maple Ridge has identified this as an initiative in Council's 2024 Strategic Work Plan: "The
integration of inclusionary zoning requirements for mixed-use developments around transit
corridors has been identified as a key opportunity to expand housing choice in key growth areas
within the City. Through this work item, an inclusionary program will be explored that is reflective of
our community need as well as provincial mandates."
iv. Update Revitalization Tax Exemption
Program
A municipal council may, by bylaw, exempt specific
properties from municipal property value taxes for up to 10
years in order to encourage economic, social or
environmental revitalization within a community. By
implementing Tax Exemptions for specific areas in the City,
the City can incentivize the redevelopment or improvement
of priority growth areas. A Revitalization Tax Exemption is
typically tied to the development of multi-family housing,
adaptable unit design, affordable housing and/or social
housing. In Maple Ridge, an updated Revitalization Tax
Exemption may be best implemented in anticipated growth
areas but are outside of designated TOAs.
Prince George -Multi-Family
Housing Incentive Bylaw
Prince George implemented a
Revitalization Tax Exemption program
that focused on key growth areas
identified in the City's OCP. For
medium to high density developments
located in the identified key growth
areas developments received a tax
exemption from municipal property
taxes up to 100% of assed value of
land and improvements. The program
also required that specific guidelines
were met for adaptable housing for a
percentage of units.
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Big Move: Examine Opportunities for a Housing Authority
Municipalities are increasingly moving into the role of direct participation in the housing
market through the development of housing authorities or other arms-length entities. These
organizations are developed to leverage existing municipal resources (land, knowledge of
the development approvals process, partnerships, etc.) in order to expedite the
development of non-market housing. Historically there have been relatively few municipal
housing authorities in BC, though many Alberta communities, including Calgary,
Edmonton, and Wood Buffalo, have long-standing municipal housing corporations that
manage a significant portfolio of units.
While the Whistler Housing Authority is recognized as well-established example in British
Columbia, the current housing crisis is driving many municipalities in BC to explore the
feasibility of developing a housing authority. The purpose of a housing authority is to or
other arms-length entity that can drive the development of non-market housing through
partnerships with non-profits and developers.
Two recent examples of municipalities undertaking this work include Kam loops and
Burnaby. In 2023, Kamloops recently incorporated a Community Land Trust "as an
alternative model of housing development where land is held in trust for the community
and cannot be sold at market rates." Burnaby's City Council (also in 2023) moved to create
the Burnaby Housing Authority, which has identified the following objectives:
• "create more housing by adding to existing sources of housing supply
• act like a private housing developer, while delivering non-market housing for public
benefit
• help fill gaps in Burnaby's housing supply strategically
• contribute to the larger housing ecosystem through collaboration, not competition"
Both examples highlight how the municipal role of housing development is changing in the
face of extreme housing pressures, particularly in urban areas of BC.
Undertaking the development of an arms-length housing entity can require a significant
investment of resources; however, it may also have a positive impact in that a municipal
authority is uniquely positioned to collaborate across the housing sector with non-profit
housing providers, private sector developers, and senior levels of government. Additionally,
a housing authority does not need to be limited solely to Maple Ridge: there may be
opportunities to work collaboratively with neighbouring jurisdictions (e.g. Pitt Meadows) to
undertake a sub-regional approach to housing issues.
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3.2. Strengthen Renter Protections
1. Update Tenant Relocation Assistance Policy and Modular Home Park
Redevelopment Tenant Assistance Policy
A Tenant Relocation Assistance (TRA) Policy is intended to reduce the likelihood that the existing
purpose-built market rental housing stock will be redeveloped. If demolition occurs, the impact of
the loss of the rental housing stock will be reduced. Currently, Maple Ridge's TRA Policy requires
developers to create a Relocation Assistance Plan that includes consideration for a period of
notice, right of first refusal, rent controls, compensation depending on the length of tenancy, and
assistance with moving expenses. To strengthen the TRA Policy and other similar policies, the City
may explore the following:
• Require developers to implement a strategy for assisting tenants in finding appropriate
housing.
• Enhance communication requirements with tenants, such as requiring a tenant relocation
coordinator.
• Include consideration forthose living in non-market housing rental units and non-profit co-
op housing.
• Additional support for vulnerable tenants
11. Monitor Need for Strata Conversion Bylaw
The City is not currently experiencing significant conversion of purpose-built rental housing into
strata condominiums. Given current market conditions and the age of existing purpose-built rental
in Maple Ridge (according to CMHC 66% of purpose-built rental in the city was built priorto 1980),
the city is unlikely to see strata conversions and more likely to see older purpose-built rental
redeveloped into new units. As such, it it is more likely that the City will need to consider rental
replacement and tenant protection policies to protect renters and rental housing. However, the City
should continue to monitor the need for this type of policy, as it can be readily adopted should
strata conversions emerge as an issue.
iii. Explore Development of Rental Replacement Policies
A Rental Replacement Policy is intended to reduce the impact of redevelopment on the rental
housing stock. A Rental Replacement Policy requires that the redevelopment of a purpose-built
rental building replace all or a specified portion of the existing number of rental units. The City may
implement a Rental Replacement Policy across the City or in priority growth areas such as the Town
Centre, TOAs, or other transit corridors.
This tool can also be combined with Residential Rental Tenure Zoning (RRTZ), described below.
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1v. Explore use of Residential Ren t al Tenure Zo ning (RRTZ) in Key Areas
In 2018, the Province amended the Local Government Act to provide municipalities with the
authority to zone for exclusively rental tenure. Residential Rental Tenure Zoning (RRTZ) is a type of
zoning that is typically used to restrict multi-family residential to exclusively rental tenure. The use
of RRTZ has been relatively limited. However, increasingly, municipalities are blending the use of
rental replacement policies with the use of RRTZ when existing purpose-built rental is being
redeveloped. RRTZ powers are applied to the zoning for those units that are required to be protect
through rental replacement.
Example -Residential Rental Tenure Zoning (RRTZ) Implementation Approaches
• The City of Victoria has incorporated RRTZ into their density bonusing policy. If a
proposed development incorporates a rental component the density bonusing
programs will now permit additional FSR, incentivizing developers to build more rental
housing.
• The City of Vancouver has applied a pre-zoning approach for rental tenure, allowing low-
and mid-rise rental builds on certain commercial zones on arterial streets. This
approach eliminates the rezoning process for purpose-built rental projects, reducing
approval wait times, associated costs and staff resources.
3.3. Address Barrie rs to Development
1. Implement Pre-Zoning
The City is required to update zoning to conform to Bill 44-2023 and Bill 47-2023 by June 30th, 2024.
These two bills add considerable capacity to the City's OCP, through additional infill density on
single family lots and higher density around transit. Analysis is currently underway to assess the
City's existing OCP capacity (prior to recent legislative changes), the additional capacity added
through TOAs and SSMUH, and the likelihood of development uptake. This analysis will be
presented in the final version of this strategy.
In addition to this new capacity, the City may wish to explore additional pre-zoning for priority
growth areas, such as the Town Centre and additional transit corridors that are not included in the
designated TOAs. By doing so, the City can expedite development in key growth areas.
Pre-zoning does have some trade offs to consider, most notably by impacting the City's ability to
negotiate for amenities that would typically take place during a rezoning process. While it is
anticipated that the new ACC tool introduced by the government could partially address this, the
tool does not allow for the capture of affordable units or a contribution to an affordable housing
fund. Recently, the province introduced legislation (Bill 16) to allow municipalities to implement
inclusionary zoning, which would allow municipalities to require a portion of affordable units in new
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developments, even when a rezoning is not taking place; however, the specifics of this legislation
remain unclear.
II. Streamline Development
Approvals Processes
Many municipalities are currently undertaking
reviews of the development approvals process to
identify areas for improved efficiency and
streamlining to support faster delivery of housing.
Creating a concierge style development process
can also increase efficiency, build community trust,
and improve education on development. These
have been identified as a strategic priority for the
City, through the 2024 Strategic Work Plan. Key
components include:
• Creating development application
prioritization criteria
• Establishing benchmark timelines for
internal City process and reviews for the
development application process
• Conducting incentive program feasibility
assessment for multi-family housing
There are a range of additional potential activities
Big Move: Implement New Approach to
Development Approvals
In 2023 the City of Kelowna received a
$350,000 grant from the provincial Local
Government Developm ent Approvals
.E:rogram to support changes to the
development approvals process. The City
used these funds to work with Microsoft in
developing an artificial intelligence chatbot.
The bot allows the automated process of
development applications and is able to
answer applicant questions on the City's
zoning bylaw, Official Community Plan and
other key areas of planning.
The City of Maple Ridge is exploring machine
learning and Al into their development
application process. Ensuring Maple Ridge
keeps pace with current trends will be
important to be aware of opportunities to
increase efficiency.
local governments can adopt that reduce development approvals timelines. These include:
• Update the Minor Development Variance Permit Delegation Bylaw No. 7952-2023) to ensure
it useable by staff and is easily understandable by the development community.
• Developing a concierge service to facilitate affordable housing development service for
applications that meet set criteria (below market or all rental or family housing, etc.) and
supports these applications during all phases of pre-development work;
• Continue to strengthen internal municipal coordination between planning and engineering
to ensure streamlined application processing;
• Using the concierge service to coordinate with utility providers and provide assistance with
navigating the referrals process process (e.g. Fortis/Hydro/Telus can often hold up
construction because of slow communication and complex requirements during the
referral process);
• Pre-approved designs for priority housing types (e.g. infill housing, purpose-built rental
housing using forthcoming catalogues of provincial and federal options [note: this work is
scheduled to begin in April 2024].
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3.4. Promote Equity and Inclusion in Housing Initiatives
1. Partner with Organizations Addressing Homelessness to Strengthen
Services
Through organizational partnership, the City can implement innovative strategies to create more
affordable housing options for those who need it most. Typically, a municipality will partner with
existing community organizations that hold under-utilized land, non-profits or neighbouring
municipalities. Through partnership, multiple benefits can be achieved, such as cost-sharing,
reduced development costs, and greater awareness and support for affordable housing.
ii. Adopt Adaptable Housing Standards
Maple Ridge is an aging community with a projected
population of 22,633 seniors by 2033. Adaptable housing
requirements can ensure that a proportion of new rental
units are appropriate for an aging community. Adaptable
Housing Standards are included as optional in the BC
Building Code. The City should explore requiring a certain
proportion of new units in multi-family development to
meet the adaptable housing standards as outlined in the
BC Building Code.
iii . Strengthen Connections with
Newcomer and Indigenous Housing
and Service Providers
Example -City of Chilliwack:
Adaptable Housing Policy
Since 2012, the City of Chilliwack
has required that 50% of all new
apartments be built to the
adaptable housing standards of the
BC Building Code.
As of Fall 2022, there have been
1,251 adaptable housing units built
across the City.
It is projected that significant levels of new immigrants and a continuation of a growing urban
Indigenous population will increase housing demand in Maple Ridge. It is critical that the City
strengthen connections with Indigenous Housing and new immigrant housing service providers.
Key actions in this area could include:
• Partnering with Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations to better understand the needs of their
members in urban areas;
• Working with Indigenous housing providers to support opportunities for Indigenous housing
in Maple Ridge;
• Identifying and working with immigrant-serving organizations to understand their clients'
housing needs and identify opportunities for partnership.
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IV. Support Housing Initiatives for
Under-Served Demographics
The City can create a housing continuum that
prioritizes inclusivity for all residents by supporting
housing initiatives for under-served demographics.
Inclusive housing initiatives typically will prioritize
support for women, seniors, the BIPOC community,
the LGBTQSIA+ Community, as well as individuals
with mobility and cognitive impairments.
Opportunities to support such initiatives will likely be
through partnering with community organizations
and non-profits or leveraging potential Provincial and
Federal grant opportunities.
3.5. Advocacy and Education
i. Promote New Funding for Housing
to Developers and the Public
Currently, there a wide range of housing funding
programs available to the non-profit and private
development sectors. These funding opportunities
represent key interventions that can make the
difference in project viability. The City can work with
both non-profits and developers to educate these
stakeholders around what is currently available.
Example: Surrey Urban Indigenous
Leadership Committee
The Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership
Committee emerged from the Surrey Urban
Aboriginal Social Innovation Project. Though
the Social Innovation Project finished in 2018,
the Committee has continued to advocate on
behalf of urban Indigenous residents of Surrey.
SUILC has undertaken significant research on
the issues and challenges facing urban
Indigenous residents of Surrey, from data
analysis, to projections to community
engagement. The City works with SUILC by
providing an administrative for funding
applications (e.g. the City is the applying body
for funds and grants for SUILC), and regularly
participates in meetings of SUILC. The City also
integrated SUILC's research on Indigenous
housing issues into Surrey's Housing Needs
Report, and recently (spring 2024) released an
RFP for Indigenous housing providers for
affordable housing units within a mixed-use
hub, reflecting the City's commitment to serve
the ongoing needs of Indigenous residents.
Some key opportunities that exist as of the development of this strategy (April 2024) include:
• CMHC's Seed Funding program re-opened in Spring 2024, and provides grant and interest-
free loan payments to individuals and organizations involved in early phases of creating
affordable housing. This funding can be pivotal in moving an affordable housing project
from idea into pre-development.
• CMHC's Apartment Construction Loan Program (formerly Rental Construction Financing
Initiative): This financing program providers low-cost financing with long-term amortization
periods (40-50 years) to eligible borrowers to construct rental housing. This funding comes
with affordability and accessibility requirements for a portion of units and is available to
private develoeprs.
• Secondary Suites Incentive Program: This new program targets homeowners to create
affordable housing through the private market. The program provides homeowners with up
to 50% of the cost of renovations (up to $40,000) to construct a new secondary suite on
their property that will be rented out for below market rates.
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• BC Builds is an emerging program provided through the Province of BC that is intended to
activate provincial lands, and support partnerships between other community landlords to
build housing for middle-income working households throughout the province.
11. Advocate to Senior Government for Resources to Support Growth and
Affordability
This strategy outlines key actions that City may explore to increase housing supply, affordability,
and inclusivity. Many of these proposed actions will require significant financial and resource
investments and will be greatly accelerated by additional funding from senior levels of
government. The City will continue to advocate to senior levels of government for additional
resources to fund key priorities areas, including but not limited to the following:
• Infrastructure planning
o The City is projected to continue growing at a rapid pace placing increasing demand
on existing infrastructure. Further studies to determine municipal infrastructure
capacity and demand for future expansion projects will be needed.
• Affordable Housing
o Increasing affordable housing is a strategic priority for the City. Many of the current
financial tools used to increase affordable housing such as tax incentives, fee
waiving or reductions, and land acquisition can come at a high-cost burden to the
City. Additional funding would accelerate planning and infrastructure initiatives to
increase the supply of affordable housing.
• Stronger Tenant Protections
o In addition to municipal tools to protect tenants as described in 3.2, the City will
continue to advocate for stronger rental protections at the Provincial level, such as
rent increase controls, and the expansion renter rights.
• Climate Change
o The City has ongoing projects related to climate action as of this draft strategy. The
results of these initiatives will be important factors to consider in decision making
processes relating housing, such as including a climate lens in development
applications. The City will advocate to senior levels of government for additional
funding to conduct further research relating to the impact of housing on the local
and broader environment.
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4. Next Steps and Implementation
To be completed with next draft of Housing Strategy (and subject to GIS and land economics
analysis).
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Sources
• City of Burnaby -Housing Authority:
o hJtps __ j 6NWy___v.b.uJo __ a btca/ou r --c ityLprnLacts/lJu ma b.Y:bOJ,tsing::.auJbority
• City of Chilliwack-Adaptable Housing Policy
o https://www.chilliwack.com/mai n/page.cfm?id=2802
• City of Kam loops -Community Land Trust:
o l1ttps:/ /lets talk. kamloo12.s.ca/landtrust
• City of Kelowna -Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Building Permit Applications:
o https://www.cbc.ca/nevvs/canad a/briti sh~coJu mbia/kelowna-ai-c hatbot-bu i ld i ng-
12.ermi t-aQQll.c_ati ons-1. 682245O
• City of Prince George -Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption Program:
o !l.t.tp_s:U.:J..vwwp1Jocege_oig__e_.caLs_ite_sld_efault/file.sL2Q22_:
06/201 s0162ODowntown'l/12ORevitalization'l-□2OTax0102OExemQ1ion%2Obrochure.Qdf
• City of Victoria -lnclusionary Housing and Community Amenity Policy (RRTZ)
o https://www.victoria.ca/media/file/inclusionary-housing-and-community-amenity-
policyadopted-june-27-2019pdf
• Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee
o bttps;L/sur;eyjndigenousleadership.ca/our-story/about-us/