West Vancouver Council Pushes Back Against Provincial Housing Directives
West Vancouver’s ongoing dispute with the provincial government over housing targets has entered a new phase, as the district’s council voted unanimously this week to move forward with a version of its Official Community Plan (OCP) that does not align with the directives issued by B.C.’s Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
The updated OCP, which will go to a public hearing on November 17, proposes measures to allow for roughly 900 additional housing units. According to district staff, those units would accommodate the community’s anticipated growth and align with local housing needs assessments. However, the proposed plan stops short of meeting the specific housing density and zoning changes requested by the province earlier this year.
A Clash Over Local Control and Provincial Mandates
The Ministry of Housing has been pressuring municipalities across British Columbia to accelerate housing construction and meet mandated targets. In West Vancouver’s case, the ministry previously directed the district to introduce greater housing density in several key areas, including Park Royal and Ambleside. Those directives included fixed height and density requirements, as well as the adoption of a new local area plan for Ambleside — measures the district has now declined to incorporate in its proposed OCP.
The ministry appointed an independent advisor earlier in 2024 to help West Vancouver improve its housing approvals process after the district fell short of expectations, producing just 58 of its targeted 220 new homes for the year. The province has since warned that it will take direct action if the district fails to comply by the end of December. That could include amending local bylaws through an order from the Lieutenant Governor.
Community Preferences and the Path Forward
Feedback gathered from residents suggests that while there is strong support for adding more housing options, locals favor smaller-scale developments. Many residents expressed positive views toward infill housing, secondary suites, and multiplexes, as well as “missing middle” housing types like row homes and townhouses. There was also notable support for new rental and seniors housing, but less enthusiasm for the large-scale high-rise developments proposed in the province’s directives.
District planners have noted that the current OCP update focuses on these moderate-density solutions and aims to maintain a balance between growth and the community’s established character. The plan outlines opportunities for zoning adjustments along key corridors, such as Marine Drive, where townhomes and low-rise buildings could fit within existing neighborhoods.
Growing Tension Between Municipalities and the Province
The situation in West Vancouver reflects a growing tension between local governments and the province over how to address British Columbia’s housing shortage. Several municipal leaders across the province have voiced concern that the new housing mandates could undermine long-term planning and put financial pressure on local infrastructure budgets.
For West Vancouver, the standoff raises important questions about local autonomy, development priorities, and how best to balance community values with the province’s broader housing goals. As the Dec. 31 compliance deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how the district navigates its next steps — and whether the province will follow through on its threat to override local bylaws.
Implications for Real Estate in West Vancouver
For homebuyers, investors, and developers, this conflict could have significant implications. If the province steps in, zoning rules could shift rapidly, opening up new opportunities for higher-density projects in areas like Ambleside and Park Royal. On the other hand, if the district maintains control over its planning process, growth is likely to remain more gradual and in keeping with West Vancouver’s traditionally low-density profile.
Either way, the coming months will be pivotal for shaping the future of housing and development in one of Metro Vancouver’s most desirable — and most closely watched — communities.