Density bonusing

Density bonusing is a tool that helps deliver community amenities such as parks, childcare centres, and affordable housing by allowing developers to build more floor space.

Density bonusing allows for:

Base density with no density bonus
Additional density in exchange for specific community amenities and affordable housing

Density bonusing is among several financing tools we use to support growth. Learn how all of the financing tools compare (8.8 MB)

Density bonus zones
Eligible amenities and the amount of additional density vary depending on the district's requirements and priorities.

Residential
- R5-1 (546 KB)

Background information on density bonusing

Bill 16 Compliance Report

Through Bill 16 (Housing Statutes Amendment Act), the Province of BC amended legislation governing density bonus contributions. To align with new provincial legislation, we updated our density bonusing approach.

Effective June 30, 2026, cash in lieu only contributions will not be available. For more information, review the Bill 16 Compliance Update Report to Council (1.5 MB).
Annual reports and resources
Annual reports

To learn more about cash and in-kind amenities secured through new development, review the annual reports on amenities secured through community amenity contributions and density bonusing.

These annual reports are from before the changes introduced by Bill 16. The first Bill 16 compliance report will be released in 2027.
For more information on the annual reports, review the Annual Report Background and Methodology (90 KB).

Other resources

Province of BC's Inclusionary Zoning and Density Bonusing Guide (2025)

Density bonusing

Density bonus zones

Background information on density bonusing

Bill 16 Compliance Report

Annual reports and resources

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies