Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing

The provincial government has introduced new housing legislation to update zoning rules to deliver more small-scale, multi-unit (SSMU) housing, with the intended objective of building more homes faster by updating outdated zoning rules and allowing for more diverse housing options within existing neighbourhoods.

For communities like Whistler and Pemberton, this could have a noticeable impact on future development opportunities, property use, and housing availability.

In most municipalities of more than 5,000 people, these changes can allow for 3-4 units permitted on lots currently zoned for single-family, duplex use, secondary suites or laneway homes, depending on lot size, however strata bylaws may impact this. 

What Could This Mean for Whistler & Pemberton Property Owners?

As both communities continue to experience housing shortages and affordability challenges, these changes could create new opportunities for homeowners, investors, and developers.

Potential impacts may include:

• Increased redevelopment potential on certain residential lots

• More opportunities for secondary suites or laneway homes

• Additional rental income possibilities for homeowners

• Greater housing diversity for local workers and families

• Long-term impacts on property values and land use planning

For communities like Whistler and Pemberton, this could create new opportunities for homeowners and developers by allowing increased density on some residential lots. Depending on lot size, location, zoning, and local regulations, certain properties may now be able to support secondary suites, laneway homes, duplexes, triplexes, or additional units. A good example of these changes can now be seen in Tiyata Village in Pemberton, where suites were not originally permitted under the zoning. With the introduction of Bill 44 and the Province’s new Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation, there is now potential for suites and increased density on certain properties, subject to municipal approval and individual property requirements.

The goal of the legislation is to help address housing shortages by creating more flexible housing options within existing neighbourhoods.

However, local bylaws, strata rules, covenants, parking requirements, and servicing limitations may still affect what is possible on individual properties, particularly in Whistler’s unique resort and strata environment.

As these changes continue to evolve, understanding how they may impact your property or future investment is becoming increasingly important in the Sea to Sky market.

If you’d like to learn more about how these changes could affect your property in Whistler or Pemberton, feel free to connect.