B.C. gives West Vancouver ultimatum to adopt density zoning bylaw

The province has given the District of West Vancouver an ultimatum over housing densification.

The B.C. government says the community must pass bylaws within a month to allow multi-unit buildings on single-family and duplex lots. If the district doesn't comply, the province says it will make the change itself. 

"We're dealing with a housing crisis, and far too many people are struggling to find available housing in our communities," said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.'s housing minister. 

Introduced in November, Bill 44 requires B.C. municipalities to rezone in order to increase small-scale, multi-unit housing. The province set a June 30 deadline for communities with at least 5,000 residents to change zoning rules to allow for up to four units to be built on single-family or duplex lots and up to six units on those near transit hubs.

On Thursday, the province singled out West Vancouver as the local government not in compliance. The district's councillors had unanimously rejected multiplex development in late May. 

"I'll vigorously oppose any entity that seeks to destroy the nature and character of our community," said Coun. Linda Watt at the time.  

"They're treating private property as though it was their own and moving at a reckless pace as they paint a broad brush stroke across the province."

In the rest of B.C., the province says 162 out of 188 local governments have passed bylaws in response to the legislation, and another nine are actively working to make the change. 

Fifteen communities, including Richmond and Coquitlam, have requested extensions. The province said Thursday that it is reviewing these requests. 

The District of Wells and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality have already received their extensions due to recent wildfire impacts. 

The. government says it has sent the District of West Vancouver a 30-day non-compliance notice, and it could issue a ministerial order after that.

The district's councillors told CBC News that they will be reviewing the province's ultimatum on Monday.