Updated July 24, 2024

In late 2023, the Government of B.C. introduced new legislation to amend the Local Government Act (LGA) with the goal of increasing housing supply. The Province is in the process of distributing policy guides and staff are actively working to identify all the ways this will impact Port Moody. We will update this page as more information from the Province becomes available.

Below is a brief overview of the new legislation, the impacts to Port Moody, and links to the Province’s website for more detailed information on each bill.

Bill 44: Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment (SSMUH)

For detailed information on small-scale, multi-unit housing (SSMUH) visit the dedicated SSMUH webpage at portmoody.ca/ssmuh 

Bill 46: Housing Statutes (Development Financing) Amendment Act

The goal of Bill 46 is to provide new and updated development finance tools that local governments can use to help fund the costs of infrastructure and amenities needed to support complete and livable communities.

It expands the infrastructure categories that Development Cost Charges (DCCs) can collect and introduces a new Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) that municipalities can use to support increased population and related demands on community amenities.

For detailed information and the categories included, please review the provincial legislation.

 Impacts to Port Moody
For Port Moody, the Amenity Cost Charge (ACC) is intended to increase the revenue available to support an increasing population and provide amenities that bring social, cultural, heritage, recreational, or environmental benefits to the community. This revenue is not permitted to be used for affordable housing.

 

Port Moody currently has Development Cost Charges, but the new legislation allows for collection across additional categories to support City infrastructure.
 Next steps
  • The City will draft a new bylaw for Amenity Cost Charges after reviewing all regulations and provincial guidelines. Staff will develop procedures to ensure requirements are met for reporting all Amenity Cost Charges collected from new developments.
  • The City will review current Development Cost Charges. Any changes to the Development Cost Charges to include additional categories will be determined through additional analysis and formalized through the regular Bylaw Amendment process.
 Resources

Development finance - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
FAQs Development Finance (gov.bc.ca)

Bill 47: Housing Statutes (Transit-Oriented Areas) Amendment Act

For detailed information on Transit-Oriented Areas (TOAs) visit the dedicated TOA webpage at portmoody.ca/toa

Bill 35: Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act

As part of the province’s Homes for People Action Plan, Bill 35 is intended to regulate and reduce the listing of rentals of less than 90 days. Introduced in the spring of 2023, the Bill aims to increase fines and strengthen enforcement tools for local governments, return short-term rentals to the long-term rental market, and establish provincial rules and enforcement.

The Bill enables the coordination of regulation of short-term rental accommodations by local governments, including for the enforcement of local government bylaws relating to business licence requirements. It also provides for other matters relating to the authority of local governments and other authorities for making regulations.

Impacts to Port Moody
Hosts who offer short-term rental units must obtain a business licence, be registered with the Province, and comply with any other stipulations identified in Bill 35. Local governments can request the removal of listings that do not include the business licence or Provincial registration number.

 

The new legislation also increases the maximum penalties available for local governments in enforcing non-compliant short-term rentals.
Next steps
  • By May 1, 2024 short-term rental hosts will be required to obtain and display a valid business licence number on their listing, where a business licence is required by a local government.
  • The City is updating Zoning and Business License Bylaws and home-business license application. 
  • Staff will present to Council for three readings the updated bylaws. 
  • Business license holders will receive a letter with an update to how Bill 35 has impacted Port Moody. 
Resources

Bill 35 – 2023: Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act (gov.bc.ca)
Business licences, forms, and permits (portmoody.ca)

Information for short-term rental hosts (gov.bc.ca)

B.C.'s short-term rental legislation (gov.bc.ca)

Amended regulations for B.C.'s Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act – January 20, 2025 (gov.bc.ca)

Provincial short-term rental registration (gov.bc.ca)

Provincial timelines (pending final information from the Province)

  • 2024: Housing Needs Report guidance provided to local governments from the Province
  • May 1, 2024: Short-term rental hosts will be required to comply with Bill 35
  • June 30, 2024: Local governments must have completed Zoning Bylaw updates; TOAs must be designated, parking bylaws updated, and bylaws adjusted to accommodate small-scale, multi-unit housing forms
  • June/July 2024 (expected): Guidance provided from the Province to municipalities to update Official Community Plan
  • January 1, 2025: Local governments must have completed their Housing Needs Report
  • December 31, 2025: Municipalities must have completed the update of their Official Community Plans and zoning bylaws (based on the Housing Needs Report)

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Provincial Housing Initiatives Information Session

The City of Port Moody hosted a Provincial Housing Initiatives Zoning Information Session on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Browse the resources below to learn more about the B.C. government’s housing initiatives and the impact on Port Moody including required updates to the City’s Zoning Bylaw.

Resources