by Laura Brougham September 23, 2025 1:07 pm

After a day focusing on street disorder – an increasing issue in municipalities across the province – delegates are now turning their attention to housing on day two of the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM).

The recent blanket rezoning the B.C. government implemented across the province, requiring municipalities to rezone for small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) was top of mind, as municipalities learn how to navigate the new housing requirements.

James Moore, department manager of housing and policy programs for the City of Kelowna, said that after the rollout of the new zoning, additional bylaw changes needed to be implemented to bring more housing development to address community needs.

“You won’t get everything right on the first try,” he said. “We like to review and review and review and try and make everything perfect from day one.”

While B.C. did make the move province-wide and mandatory, a representative for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) noted that the types of housing covered in the legislation is something that’s being accepted country-wide.

“By next year, 70 per cent of the Canadian population, including Quebec, will live in a jurisdiction that allows up to four units as a right,” Chris Woodcock, director of client relations and government relations with CMHC said.

Moore noted that while the SSMUH implemented rezoning across the province, there are still differences from municipality to municipality that complicates the redevelopment process and drives up the cost.

“Every single home-build has to be built to local standards that are completely different in next door neighbouring communities,” Moore noted.

“It’s kind of like requiring every city to have different cars…I think we do need to consider where there are opportunities to start to align our regulations.”