The BC government is making changes that will allow the Transport Finance Authority to buy land at transport hubs to support housing and other amenities near transit stations or exchanges. Changes to the transport law introduced Tuesday will allow the province to shape development around the crossing, increase housing density and create connected communities, the government said. Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps called the announcement “extremely new,” saying homes should be built close to transit services. “Transit-oriented development is the way we build sustainable, solid cities,” he said. “He is a small craftsman, but he can have a big impact, because he will now give the Minister of Transport the power to buy land not only for transit infrastructure but also for housing.” Helps said it could see the new process coming into play around Uptown and across the Douglas corridor. “It’s a very good move.” Saanich Coun. Susan Bryce, who chairs the Victorian Regional Transit Committee, also said she liked the way the changes would link transit and land use, including housing. “I think that would be positive,” he said. “Obviously you have to wait to see the details, but we thought – certainly in terms of transit – that crossing without a land use application – or vice versa – just does not work. “You have to get people where they are.” The amendments will enable the BC Transportation Financing Authority to acquire and improve land to support housing and amenities near transit stations or exchanges built as part of the public transport system. At present, the financial authority may purchase land for transport projects, but may not acquire additional real estate to facilitate transit-related development, such as housing, which has created development challenges around stations and increasing housing density, the province said. a statement. The government said the goal is to promote communities that make it easier for pedestrians, cyclists and those using mobility aids to access the nearest transportation hub. Such communities are usually located within a radius of 800 meters from a crossing point. He said residential buildings near crossing points have been shown to increase transport use, pointing to a 35 per cent boost in passenger traffic on the Marine Drive Canada line as more residential buildings climbed around the station. “Public transport leads not only people from A to B, but also to greener and more sustainable communities,” said Transport Secretary Rob Fleming. “We will increase the level of affordable housing and services that are integrated into our significant investments in transit.” [email protected]
