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Planned Articles

Editorial items covering zoning, density, and compliance across Canadian jurisdictions.

How British Columbia’s New Zoning Rules Affect Single-Family Lots

British Columbia’s recent legislative changes now allow up to four units on lots previously zoned for single-family homes. This article breaks down the specific requirements under Bill 44, including minimum lot sizes, setback adjustments, and parking reductions. It also compares how different municipalities—Vancouver, Surrey, and Kelowna—are interpreting the provincial mandate. A practical guide for homeowners, developers, and planners navigating the new landscape.

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Density Bonusing in Ontario: What Developers Need to Know in 2025

Ontario’s Planning Act allows municipalities to grant additional height or density in exchange for community benefits such as affordable housing units or public parkland. This article explains how the bonusing framework works under Section 37 and its replacement, the Community Benefits Charge. It includes real examples from Toronto, Mississauga, and Ottawa, showing how developers can structure proposals to meet both municipal priorities and provincial policy statements.

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Alberta’s Municipal Government Act: A Compliance Checklist for Suburban Projects

Suburban developments in Alberta must align with the Municipal Government Act, which governs land use planning, subdivision, and development authority. This article provides a step-by-step compliance checklist covering statutory plans, land use bylaws, and intermunicipal collaboration requirements. It draws on recent projects in Calgary and Edmonton to illustrate common pitfalls and how to address them during the pre-application phase.

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Zoning & Compliance FAQ

Straight answers about municipal land use, density reports, and provincial planning rules across Canada.

What does a municipal land use optimization study include?

We review current zoning bylaws, parcel boundaries, and allowable densities against your development goals. The study identifies underutilized parcels, non-conforming uses, and opportunities to increase floor area ratio while staying within provincial planning act requirements. You get a parcel-by-parcel report with recommended rezoning strategies.

How do density reports affect project approvals?

Density reports quantify the number of units or floor area permitted under existing zoning and any bonus density programs. Municipal planning departments use these reports to verify compliance with official community plans and growth management strategies. A well-prepared density report can shorten the pre-application review period by several weeks.

Which provincial planning acts apply to my project?

Each province has its own legislation: Ontario’s Planning Act and Provincial Policy Statement, Alberta’s Municipal Government Act, British Columbia’s Local Government Act and Vancouver Charter, and so on. We map your project location to the relevant act and ensure all recommendations align with its policies on land use, housing targets, and environmental protection.

Can you help with rezoning applications for transit-oriented development?

Yes. We prepare planning rationales, density bonusing scenarios, and public consultation materials tailored to transit-oriented community plans. Our team has submitted successful rezoning applications in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary that included mixed-use corridors, increased height allowances, and affordable housing provisions.

What is the typical timeline for a zoning compliance audit?

A standard audit for a single parcel takes two to three weeks. Larger greenfield developments or multi-block corridors require four to six weeks, depending on the number of parcels and complexity of existing bylaws. We provide a phased delivery so you can start using preliminary findings while the full report is being finalized.

Do you work with municipalities directly or only with developers?

Both. We have completed projects for private developers, land owners, and municipal planning departments. When working for a municipality, we focus on bylaw modernization, density target analysis, and policy alignment with provincial growth plans. Our recommendations are neutral and evidence-based, regardless of the client.

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