The B.C. government has sent money to New Westminster to help fast-track legislation to build more homes.
On Wednesday, Jan. 18, the city received a total of $535,385 to support the transition and requirements of the new housing rules.
The funding is from a larger pot of $51 million for 188 municipalities and regional districts, according to a news release.
"This investment in housing reflects our dedication to delivering more homes for people faster," said New West MLA Jennifer Whiteside in the same statement.
"With new housing actions to build more homes across the province, it is crucial that we assist local governments like New Westminster in enhancing processes to expedite the much-needed housing development for people in our community."
The provincial changes approved in November include allowing up to six units on single- and two-family lots, depending on lot size and distance to rapid transit.
They also include establishing minimum heights for residential buildings near transit hubs (for example, within 200 metres of a SkyTrain station, the minimum allowable height will be 20 storeys).
New Westminster will use the money to improve planning, development and reporting processes, hire new staff and consultants and help governing bodies become more efficient at approving housing, the province explained.
By comparison, New West is receiving nearly 50 per cent more funding than the entire Metro Vancouver Regional District — $268,001.
However, the province added the base rate was $150,000 for local governments and $80,000 for regional districts. The rest of the cash is a per capita amount based on BC Stats' population projection.
Neighbouring City of Burnaby received more than $1.36 million, Coquitlam with $879,175 and Surrey at more than $3.02 million.
The funding is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government with more than 77,000 homes built or under construction since 2017.
- with files from Lauren Vanderdeen, Burnaby NOW
