Updating our Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw

In November 2025, the Province of British Columbia enacted Bill 25, new housing legislation that allows more property owners in the city to add more housing units to their lots over time, including in the city’s heritage areas. To comply with this legislation, the City must update its Official Community Plan (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw by June 30, 2026. As part of those updates, we invite the community to learn about Bill 25 and share your input on heritage character neighbourhoods.

What do the changes involve?

These changes will:

• Allow up to 6 housing units per lot in areas with 400 metres of a frequent transit bus stop
• Remove minimum on-site parking requirements in those areas, and
• Replace all remaining single-detached and duplex zones with zoning that allows 3, 4, or 6 units of housing.

Some of these changes will impact properties located within the City’s heritage areas, including:

• Ottawa Gardens,
• Grand Boulevard,
• East 10^th, and
• Finlay’s Row.

While provincial legislation requires the City to allow additional housing, the City retains an important role in shaping how new housing fits into neighbourhoods, particularly in areas with recognized heritage character.

Why are we engaging?

When someone constructs a new building or makes major changes to their property like adding another unit, they must get a permits from the City. The City uses a set of design guidelines to evaluate the application. The design guidelines exist to help ensure that developments will fit into the neighbourhoods, in a way that respects character and livability, while still meeting requirements. Your feedback will help the City update its design guidelines and amend its Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.

How can I participate?

There are several ways to get involved, whether you prefer to attend in person or provide feedback digitally.

1. Ottawa Gardens Walking Tours
Join City staff for guided walking tours to explore heritage character neighbourhoods firsthand and share what matters most to you.

• Monday, Feb. 23 at 3:00 p.m. (1.5-hour tour)
• Saturday, Feb. 28 at 10:00 p.m. (1.5-hour tour)

Meet us at the intersection of W 6^th Street & Chesterfield Avenue (click here for Google Map). Please wear comfortable footwear and dress according to the weather, as we will be outside for most of the tour.

2. Drop-In Information Sessions
Learn about the provincial legislation changes, heritage areas, and proposed planning changes. Ask questions and share feedback with City staff. Drop in at any time during the following hours.

• Saturday, Feb. 28 between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. -- Queen Mary Elementary School (230 W Keith Rd)
• Tuesday, Mar. 3 between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. -- North Vancouver City Library (120 14th St W)
• Wednesday, Mar. 4 between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. -- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 118 (123 15th St W)

3. Online Information Showcase
Access information online about the new provincial legislation changes, and participate digitally by providing your feedback on the most important characteristics of heritage properties. The online open house will be open between February 23^rd and March 13^th and will be accessible directly through this project page.

4. Official Community Plan (OCP) Town Hall
This meeting is a legislative requirement and will follow a traditional town hall format. This is a formal opportunity to learn about proposed OCP and Zoning Bylaw changes and ask questions.

• Wednesday, April 1 | 5:00 p.m. (2-hour meeting) -- John Braithwaite Community Centre (Shoreline Room) (145 W 1st St)

Questions?

If you have any questions about Bill 25, the proposed zoning changes, or the upcoming engagement opportunities, please contact the project team at zoningupdate@cnv.org. Additional background information about Bill 25 and the City’s planning work is available on the City’s website.